antagonistic

From antagonist +‎ -ic.

• IPA^(key): /æn.tæ.ɡə.ˈnɪs.tɪk/

antagonistic (comparative more antagonistic, superlative most antagonistic)

1. Contending or acting against.
   • Milman:

     They were distinct, adverse, even antagonistic.

   • 1866, American Journal of Pharmacy and the Sciences Supporting Public Health:

     Though the tephrosia is a powerful agent, and, if carried too far beyond the antagonistic action of the poison, is, I presume, not entirely without danger, I have never known any bad symptoms to arise from its use.

   • 2002, Barry Ames, The Deadlock of Democracy in Brazil, page 171:

     And deputies from opposing parties, inherently more antagonistic than deputies from the same party, can be bought at a lower price.

2. (biochemistry) Relating to an antagonist

• See also Thesaurus:combative

• anti-agnostic, antiagnostic