antagonism

[ænˈtæɡənɪzəm]

antagonism Definition

  • 1active hostility or opposition, as between unfriendly or conflicting groups
  • 2a state of being opposed or hostile to another or to each other; opposition or hostility
  • 3an opposing force, principle, or tendency

Using antagonism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antagonism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    There was a clear antagonism between the two political parties.

  • Example

    The antagonism between the two rival companies was intense.

  • Example

    The antagonism between the two brothers had been simmering for years.

antagonism Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for antagonism

Phrases with antagonism

  • antagonism to/toward somebody/something

    a feeling of strong opposition or hostility towards someone or something

    Example

    Her antagonism toward her ex-husband was evident in her tone of voice.

  • a state of active hostility or opposition between two groups or individuals

    Example

    The antagonism between the two countries had been going on for decades.

  • a laboratory test used to determine the presence of antibodies in the blood that react with specific antigens

    Example

    The antagonism test showed that the patient had developed antibodies against the virus.

Origins of antagonism

from Greek 'antagōnismos', meaning 'opposition'

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Summary: antagonism in Brief

'Antagonism' [ænˈtæɡənɪzəm] refers to active hostility or opposition between unfriendly or conflicting groups. It can also denote a state of being opposed or hostile to another or to each other, or an opposing force, principle, or tendency. Examples include 'The antagonism between the two rival companies was intense.' and 'The antagonism between the two brothers had been simmering for years.' 'Antagonism' extends into phrases like 'antagonism to/toward somebody/something,' denoting a feeling of strong opposition or hostility, and 'antagonism between A and B,' denoting a state of active hostility or opposition between two groups or individuals.