agonistic

[ ag-uh-nis-tik ]
/ ˌæg əˈnɪs tɪk /

adjective

combative; striving to overcome in argument.
straining for effect: agonistic humor.
of or relating to ancient Greek athletic contests.
Ethology. pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.
Also ag·o·nis·ti·cal.

Origin of agonistic

1640–50; < Greek agōnistikós, equivalent to agōnist(ḗs) agonist + -ikos -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM agonistic

ag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby agonistic

Example sentences from the Web for agonistic

British Dictionary definitions for agonistic

agonistic
/ (ˌæɡəˈnɪstɪk) /

adjective

striving for effect; strained
eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive

Word Origin for agonistic

C17: via Late Latin from Greek agōnistikos, from agōn contest