Antagonism
/ænˈtæɡ.ə.nɪ.zəm/noun
Active hostility or opposition between people, groups, or forces.
Did you know?Antagonism comes from Greek roots used for an opponent in competition or combat, and the same ancient element behind it also gave us words for “agonies” of struggle and “protagonists” who stand first in the contest.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
antagōnizesthai
“to contend against, struggle in opposition”
Late Greek
GRK
antagōnismos
“opposition, rivalry, contest against”
Late Latin
LAT
antagonismus
“hostility, opposition”
17th Century
English
antagonism
“opposition or hostility between persons or forces”
Modern English
English
antagonism
“active hostility or opposition”
Explore more surprising origins