verb

antagonize

an-TAG-ih-nyz

verb

To provoke hostility in someone, often deliberately.

"He antagonized his co-workers by taking credit for their ideas."

"Try not to antagonize the dog; it can be unpredictable."

How to Use Antagonize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo deliberately provoke or upset someone, making them hostile toward you.

Common pairings

antagonize someone unintentionally antagonize

antagonized past tense, antagonizes singular

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He _____ his co-workers by taking credit for their ideas.

From Ancient Greek antagonizomai, from anti- ("against") plus agonizomai ("to struggle, compete").

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