antagonist

/ænˈtæɡənɪst/ (bre, ipa) · /ænˈtæɡənɪst/ (ame, ipa) · /an-ˈta-gə-nist/ (ame, mw)

antagonist — noun

  • antagonistsingular
  • antagonistsplural

1. someone who fights against, competes with, or works to block another person, gro

1.名詞B2
釋義

someone who fights against, competes with, or works to block another person, group, or idea

例句

Raj saw his older brother as his main antagonist throughout childhood.

main antagonist

The bus driver became an unlikely antagonist in the town's debate over fares.

unlikely antagonist

同義詞
  • adversary

    more formal, often suggests a dignified or sustained opposition

  • opponent

    broader and more neutral; covers sports, elections, casual disputes

  • rival

    centres on competition for the same goal, not necessarily hostile

  • enemy

    much stronger; implies deep hostility, threat, or armed conflict

反義詞
  • ally

    someone who actively supports or cooperates with you

  • supporter

    a person who backs your cause or position

  • protagonist

    in stories: the main character the antagonist opposes

用法筆記

Often used when discussing stories, films, or political debates. More formal than opponent or rival.

常見錯誤

❌The antagonist of the story is a brave young girl.
✅The protagonist of the story is a brave young girl.
💡the antagonist is the character who opposes the main character; the protagonist is the main character the audience roots for.

2. a muscle that pulls against the action of a different muscle, slowing a motion o

2.名詞C1
釋義

a muscle that pulls against the action of a different muscle, slowing a motion or bringing a body part back to rest

例句

When you straighten your arm, the biceps relaxes and its antagonist tightens.

antagonist tightens

Nala injured the antagonist muscle in her calf during the long hike.

同義詞
反義詞
  • agonist

    the muscle that performs the primary movement in a pair

用法筆記

Technical term used in anatomy and physiotherapy. Contrasts with agonist, the muscle that performs the primary action.

常見錯誤

❌The biceps is the antagonist when you lift a weight.
✅The triceps is the antagonist when you lift a weight with your biceps.
💡the antagonist is the muscle that works opposite to the main mover, not the main mover itself.

3. a chemical compound that lessens or cancels out the effect of a different substa

3.名詞C1
釋義

a chemical compound that lessens or cancels out the effect of a different substance inside the body

例句

The doctor gave Amir an antagonist to reverse the effects of the painkiller.

antagonist to reverse

Folami's research focused on a receptor antagonist that slowed tumour growth.

同義詞
  • blocker

    informal, common in medical conversations

  • inhibitor

    broader biochemical term, not always a direct antagonist

反義詞
  • agonist

    a substance that activates or increases a biological response

用法筆記

Used in pharmacology and biochemistry. Contrasts with agonist, a substance that activates or increases a biological response.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor prescribed an antagonist to boost the patient's immune response.
✅The doctor prescribed an agonist to boost the patient's immune response.
💡an antagonist blocks or reduces a reaction; an agonist stimulates it.