ANTAGONIST

antagonist

(noun) a drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of another drug

antagonist

(noun) a muscle that relaxes while another contracts; “when bending the elbow the triceps are the antagonist”

adversary, antagonist, opponent, opposer, resister

(noun) someone who offers opposition

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

antagonist (plural antagonists)

An opponent or enemy.

One who antagonizes or stirs.

(biochemistry) A chemical that binds to a receptor but does not produce a physiological response, blocking the action of agonist chemicals.

(anatomy) A muscle that acts in opposition to another.

Antonyms

• protagonist

• agonist (biochemistry)

Anagrams

• stagnation

Source: Wiktionary


An*tag"o*nist, n. Etym: [L. antagonista, Gr. antagoniste. See Antagonism.]

1. One who contends with another, especially in combat; an adversary; an opponent. Antagonist of Heaven's Almigthy King. Milton. Our antagonists in these controversies. Hooker.

2. (Anat.)

Definition: A muscle which acts in opposition to another; as a flexor, which bends a part, is the antagonist of an extensor, which extends it.

3. (Med.)

Definition: A medicine which opposes the action of another medicine or of a poison when absorbed into the blood or tissues.

Syn.

– Adversary; enemy; opponent; toe; competitor. See Adversary.

An*tag"o*nist, a.

Definition: Antagonistic; opposing; counteracting; as, antagonist schools of philosophy.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


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