WordLens

antagonize

1 of 1verb
/ænˈtæɡənaɪz/
Forms:antagonizes,antagonizing,antagonized,antagonized
1

to provoke and anger someone so much that they start to hate and oppose one

C2transitive
  • His constant criticism of her work antagonized her to the point of seeking employment elsewhere.
  • The politician's controversial remarks antagonized many voters.
  • The company's decision to cut benefits antagonized its employees.
  • Her refusal to compromise antagonized her colleagues.
  • The aggressive tone of the letter antagonized the recipient.
2

(of a substance) to oppose or counteract the action of another substance

transitive
  • The medication antagonized the effects of the painkiller, making it less effective.
  • Certain foods can antagonize the action of antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness.
  • The chemical reaction was altered when one substance antagonized the other.
  • The enzyme antagonized the hormone, preventing it from acting properly.
  • The new formula was designed to antagonize the harmful effects of the toxin.
Synonyms: