antagonize Definition
- 1to cause someone to become hostile or unfriendly
- 2to act in a way that opposes or provokes someone
Using antagonize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antagonize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Don't antagonize your sister, she's already upset.
Example
His comments only served to antagonize the situation.
Example
The new policy is likely to antagonize many customers.
antagonize Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with antagonize
to provoke or pressure someone into doing something they don't want to do
Example
She antagonized him into taking the job offer.
antagonize an injury
to worsen an injury by continuing to use or stress the affected area
Example
He kept playing despite his sprained ankle, which only antagonized the injury.
behavior that is confrontational, hostile, or opposing
Example
The two countries engaged in antagonistic behavior towards each other, leading to tensions and conflict.
Origins of antagonize
from Greek 'antagonizesthai', meaning 'to struggle against'
Summary: antagonize in Brief
'Antagonize' [ænˈtæɡənaɪz] means to cause someone to become hostile or unfriendly, or to act in a way that opposes or provokes someone. It can be used in phrases like 'antagonize someone into doing something,' 'antagonize an injury,' and 'antagonistic behavior.' Synonyms include 'provoke,' 'irritate,' and 'annoy,' while antonyms include 'appease,' 'pacify,' and 'conciliate.'
