WordVale

antagonize

/ænˈtæɡənaɪz/  ·  say it: an·TAG·uh·nyz

to cause someone to become hostile

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to make someone become your enemy or to make them angry and hostile

2. (verb) to cause opposition or resistance in someone

Examples

• 1. His rude comments antagonized many people at the meeting.
• 2. The new policy antagonized workers who feared losing their jobs.

Nearby in Actions & Behavior

appease, placate, reconcile, acquiesce, comply, defy