What does antagonise mean?
To antagonise someone is to provoke their hostility or opposition, usually through words, actions, or policies. The verb can also describe deliberate resistance to a person, organisation, proposal, or plan. For example, a government may antagonise neighbouring countries by imposing trade restrictions, while a member of parliament may antagonise colleagues by publicly challenging their position. The word does not necessarily imply physical conflict, but it consistently conveys opposition that is direct and often adversarial. It is useful where an action is more than a minor disagreement: antagonise suggests consequences for relationships, cooperation, or negotiations. The British spelling is antagonise, while American English normally uses antagonize. Although the verb can describe either provoking hostility in others or adopting an opposing stance, its dominant modern use concerns the deliberate creation of conflict or resentment.
verbTo arouse hostility or opposition in someone, or to act in deliberate opposition to another person, group, or plan.
- To provoke hostility, opposition, or resentment in another person.
- To oppose or resist another person, group, interest, or course of action.
"His attempt to revise the agreement only antagonised the other members of the committee."
"The senator deliberately antagonised her colleagues with an uncompromising speech."
"The new policy risks antagonising local businesses that have supported the programme."
Antagonise comes from Greek words meaning “to struggle against”—conflict is built into its roots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antagonise
The English verb dates from the early 19th century and was borrowed through French from Greek ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagōnízomai), meaning “to struggle against” or “to contend with.” Its Greek formation combines anti-, meaning “against,” with a verb related to agōn, a contest or struggle. The same roots underlie antagonist, antagonism, antagonistic, and agonist.
Related word forms
How antagonise is actually used
The word is formal and neutral in tone but often suggests that the hostility or opposition is intentional. It is common in British English and appears in American English as antagonize.
Easily confused with antagonise
Antagonize is the usual American spelling, while antagonise is the traditional British spelling; the meaning is the same.