World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesAntagonist
/ænˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.
"In the novel, the charming detective finally confronts his long-time antagonist." - 2
A muscle whose action opposes that of another muscle, or a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
"Insulin acts as a physiological antagonist to glucagon in regulating blood sugar levels."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'antagonistes', meaning 'competitor, opponent, or rival', formed from anti- ('against') and agonizesthai ('to contend for a prize'). It entered the English language in the early 17th century originally denoting an adversary in a struggle or combat, later expanding to include literary villains and physiological muscle counterparts.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Antagonist"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Antagonist" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
antagoniste
Transliteration: /ɑ̃.ta.ɡɔ.nist/
"Le héros doit affronter son principal antagoniste à la fin de l'histoire."
Antagonist
Transliteration: /antanɡoˈnɪst/
"Der Detektiv versuchte, die Motive seines Antagonisten zu verstehen."
antagonista
Transliteration: /an.ta.ɡoˈnis.ta/
"L'attore ha interpretato magnificamente il ruolo dell'antagonista."
antagonista
Transliteration: /an.ta.ɣoˈnis.ta/
"El antagonista de la película representa el mal absoluto."
antagonista
Transliteration: /ɐ̃.tɐ.ɡuˈniʃ.tɐ/
"O herói e o antagonista travaram uma batalha épica."
विरोधी
Transliteration: virodhi
"kahani mein mukhya patra ka virodhi bahut shaktishali hai."
对手
Transliteration: duìshǒu
"这部小说里的反派角色是一个复杂的对手。"
대적자
Transliteration: daejeokja
"주인공은 이야기 속에서 강력한 대적자를 만난다."
敵対者
Transliteration: tekitaisha
"物語の中で、主人公はその敵対者と戦う。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA sporting contest whose outcome has no bearing on league standings, rankings, or championship titles, typically played for entertainment, charity, or training purposes.
Having been carefully thought about, planned, or devised.
Not having a job; currently unemployed.
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