antagonist

[ an-tag-uh-nist ]
/ ænˈtæg ə nɪst /

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. Compare agonist(def 4).

Origin of antagonist

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin antagōnista, from Greek antagōnistḗs. See antagonize, -ist

synonym study for antagonist

1. See adversary.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH antagonist

antagonist protagonist

Example sentences from the Web for antagonist

British Dictionary definitions for antagonist

antagonist
/ (ænˈtæɡənɪst) /

noun

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

Medical definitions for antagonist

antagonist
[ ăn-tăgə-nĭst ]

n.

Something, such as a muscle, disease, or physiological process, that neutralizes or impedes the action or effect of another.

Scientific definitions for antagonist

antagonist
[ ăn-tăgə-nĭst ]

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.