noun

antagonism

an-TAG-uh-niz-um/ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/

Active opposition or hostility between people or forces.

The neighbors' angry gestures reveal their antagonism.

Two neighbors face one another angrily across shared fence, rigid gestures clear mutual hostility.

Etymology

antGreekagainst

+agonGreekcontest, struggle

+ismGreekaction or its result

The pieces evoke struggling against a competitor in a contest. That image extends to opposition more generally, including the active hostility expressed by this sense.

In context

DW Documentary25:03

it's always served their interest subsequently to have a separate Pakistan state which is always in antagonism to India as always a rep a representation really of of of India's other its opponent

Mahatma Gandhi – dying for freedom | DW Documentary

More examples

The proposal met with open antagonism.
Years of rivalry deepened the antagonism between the groups.
The discussion revealed antagonism rather than mere disagreement.

Forms

antagonism

antagonistic adjective — actively opposing or hostile

Similar words

hostility: Hostility is ill will; antagonism also emphasizes active opposition.
disagreement: Disagreement can be friendly; antagonism suggests a more opposing relationship.