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antagonist

[an-tag-uh-nist]

Example Sentences Origin

noun

a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another; opponent; adversary.

the adversary of the hero or protagonist of a drama or other literary work: Iago is the antagonist of Othello.

Physiology. a muscle that acts in opposition to another. Compare agonist (def. 3).

Dentistry. a tooth in one jaw that articulates during mastication or occlusion with a tooth in the opposing jaw.

Pharmacology. a drug that counteracts the effects of another drug.

Origin:
1590–1600; < Late Latin antagōnista < Greek antagōnistḗs. See antagonize, -ist

Can be confused: antagonist, proponent, protagonist.

Synonyms
1. contestant, enemy, foe. See adversary.

Antonyms
1. ally, friend.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Antagonist is always a great word to know.

So is histamine. Does it mean:

a histidine-derived amine compound that is released mainly by damaged mast cells in allergic reactions, causing dilation and permeability of blood vessels and lowering blood pressure

an innate periodicity in an organism's physiological processes like sleep and wake cycles

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Example Sentences

With no strong antagonist, the plot is a bit tepid (although always plausible).

Caffeine is an antagonist for the neurotransmitter adenosine.

It's not love that Conroy feels for his old antagonist but a sense of triumph.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

antagonist (ænˈtæɡənɪst)

—n
1.	an opponent or adversary, as in a contest, drama, sporting event, etc
2.	Compare agonist any muscle that opposes the action of another
3.	Compare synergist a drug that counteracts the effects of another drug

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

antagonist

c.1600, from L. antagonista, from Gk. antagonistes "competitor, opponent, rival," from antagonizesthai "to struggle against," from anti- "against" + agonizesthai "to contend for a prize," from agon "contest" (see agony). Originally in battle or sport, extended 1620s to any

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sphere of human activity. Related: Antagonistic (1630s).

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American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

antagonist an·tag·o·nist (ān-tāg'ə-nĭst)
n.
Something, such as a muscle, disease, or physiological process, that neutralizes or impedes the action or effect of another.

American Heritage

Science Dictionary

antagonist

(ān-tāg'ə-nĭst) Pronunciation Key

A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle, as by relaxing while the other one contracts, thereby producing smooth, coordinated movement.
A chemical substance, such as a drug, that interferes with the physiological action of another substance, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor. Compare agonist.

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Matching Quote

"His distinguishing mark is the fact that he always attacks his opponents, not only with all arms, but also with snorts and objurgations—that he is always filled with moral indignation—that he is incapable of imagining honor in an antagonist, and hence incapable of honor himself."

-H.L. Mencken

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