antagonist
Definitions
A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary
对手，敌手；（故事中的）反派
A substance, muscle, or agent that counteracts or blocks the action of another
（医学/生物学）拮抗剂；拮抗肌
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedanti (against) + agōnistēs (contestant) = 'one who contests against' — the opponent. In a story the antagonist is whoever works against the protagonist (villain, rival, opposing force). The same 'acts against' logic gives the scientific sense: a drug or muscle that opposes the action of another.
Root agon still carries 5 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
Every great hero needs an antagonist worthy of the fight.
- 2.
He saw the new manager as an antagonist rather than a colleague.
- 3.
The drug acts as an antagonist, blocking the receptor it binds to.
Easily Confused
antagonist vs opponent — an opponent simply takes the other side in a game, debate, or election, with no necessary hostility. An antagonist carries real opposition or enmity, and in stories is the force set against the hero. A chess opponent is neutral; a villainous antagonist is not.