English Dictionary

Definition of “antagonism

antagonism (ænˈtæɡəˌnɪzəmPronunciation for antagonism

Definitions

noun

  1. openly expressed and usually mutual opposition
  2. the inhibiting or nullifying action of one substance or organism on another
  3. physiology the normal opposition between certain muscles
  4. biology the inhibition or interference of growth of one kind of organism by another

Usage examples

  • Emma responded to the hostility in her voice with a wave of antagonism.
    Barbara Erskine, HIDING FROM THE LIGHT (2002)
  • There is a danger that, because of limited research and some antagonism to drug treatment, the same thing may happen with depression.
    British Medical Journal (2002)
  • To some extent, the bitter antagonism of the Franco years still lives on.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • He says he wants to see a greater say for Gibraltar in running its own affairs and an end to Spanish antagonism.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • It was proving hard to stay calmly `centred" in the face of such antagonism.
    Rice, Judith, New Testaments (1993)

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