antagonize
To provoke hostility or opposition
Examples
In a meeting
“We shouldn't antagonize the vendor before negotiations even begin.”
Over coffee
“Don't antagonize your roommate right before asking for a favor.”
Why this word
anger
antagonize means to provoke into opposition or hostility, while anger simply means to make someone mad
annoy
antagonize creates an adversarial relationship, while annoy merely causes irritation
provoke
antagonize specifically creates antagonism or opposition, while provoke is broader and can mean any stimulation of response
Usage tip
Use when describing actions that create or worsen conflict. Often suggests unnecessary provocation that damages relationships.
Etymology
Greek 'antagonizesthai' (struggle against), from 'anti-' (against) + 'agonizesthai' (compete)
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