agonistic

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀγωνιστικός.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /aɡəˈnɪstɪk/

Adjective

agonistic (comparative more agonistic, superlative most agonistic)

1. Of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic.
2. (zoology, anthropology) Characterised by conflict or hostility.
   • 2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books 2007, p. 66:

     This was clearly such an event, but like the ancient religion of Israel, it was also deeply agonistic.

3. (rhetoric) Argumentative, combative.
4. (pharmacology) Pertaining to an agonist.

Derived terms

• agonistic buffer
• agonistic monoclonal antibody
• agonistic muscle
• agonistic pluralism
• agonistic threat display