Antipathists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who actively expresses dislike or aversion toward something or someone
2. an individual characterized by a strong opposition or hostility to particular ideas, beliefs, or entities
3. someone who consistently demonstrates an unwillingness to associate with or accept certain views or practices

Etymology: "Antipathists" is the plural of "antipathist," a noun formed from "antipathy" plus the suffix "-ist," which marks a person who holds or practises something. The base word "antipathy" comes from Greek roots meaning "against" and "feeling," so an antipathist is, in effect, someone whose standing stance is opposition to a particular view or practice. The suffix does most of the work here. Attaching "-ist" to a noun of feeling or disposition produces a label for a habitual practitioner, as with "pianist" or "realist," and the same pattern lets "antipathy," a general reluctance, become a term for someone defined by that reluctance. The word is a plain coinage from existing parts rather than a term with a dramatic history, so its meaning follows directly from its components.

Synonyms: opponents, adversaries

Antonyms: supporters, advocates