Antagonism

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/

Definitions

1. A state of active opposition or hostility between people, groups, or ideas
2. A situation marked by conflict or hostility between individuals or entities, leading to a rivalry or opposition that generates tension
3. A condition characterized by opposition or hostility arising from conflicting interests, often resulting in rivalry or adverse interactions

Etymology: The Greek word "agon" originally meant a contest, especially an athletic or dramatic competition held in public, and it gave rise to a family of words built around the idea of struggling against a rival. Adding the prefix "anti-", meaning "against", produced "antagonizesthai," to contest against someone, and from it the agent noun "antagonistes," an opponent or rival in a contest. The original sense was thus one of competition in the arena rather than hatred or enmity. English took the word through Late Latin "antagonista," which carried the same meaning of rival or adversary. The noun "antagonism" grew from this root and, like "antagonist," it kept the sense of opposing forces meeting in open struggle, so a state of antagonism describes a condition in which two parties are actively set against one another.

Synonyms: hostility, opposition, conflict

Antonyms: friendship, alliance