verb
antagonize
an-TAG-uh-nyze/ænˈtæɡənaɪz/
To provoke hostility or resistance.
The worker antagonizes his colleague with repeated pokes to the shoulder.
Etymology
The pieces originally meant competing or struggling against someone. The meaning shifted from acting as an opponent to making someone hostile—provoking the opposition rather than simply taking part in it.
In context
She dared not antagonize him. He, too, had a temper, and, if he lost it, God only knew what irreparable harm he might do her.
More examples
- She avoids antagonizing the team before negotiations begin.
- The sudden price increase antagonized loyal customers.
- Interrupting every answer only antagonizes the witness.
Forms
antagonize · antagonizes · antagonized · antagonizing
antagonism noun — Active opposition or hostility between people or forces.