antagonist

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin antagonista, from Ancient Greek ἀνταγωνιστής (opponent) (ἀντί (anti, against) + ἀγωνιστής (agōnistēs, a combatant, pleader, actor)), from ἀνταγωνίζεσθαι (antagonize).

[edit] Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ænˈtæɡənɪst/
  • (file)

[edit] Noun

antagonist (plural antagonists)

  1. An opponent or enemy.
  2. One who antagonizes or stirs.
  3. (biochemistry) A chemical that binds to a receptor but does not produce a physiological response, blocking the action of agonist chemicals.
    • 2001: The calcium antagonists represent one of the top ten classes of prescription drugs in terms of commercial value, with worldwide sales of nearly $10 billion in 1999. — Leslie Iversen, Drugs: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford 2001, p. 41)
  4. The main character or force opposing the protagonist in a literary work or drama.

[edit] Antonyms

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