antagonize
Definitions
To cause someone to become hostile; to provoke or irritate into opposition
使（某人）对立；激怒，招致敌意
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedanti (against) + agōn (struggle) + -ize (to make) = literally 'to make someone into your opponent.' That captures the modern meaning precisely: by your words or behavior you provoke hostility and turn a person against you. The object is a person, not a problem — you antagonize people, not situations.
Root agon still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
British spelling antagonise is also common. The object is almost always a person or group (antagonize voters, antagonize allies), not an abstract thing — you can't 'antagonize a deadline.' It is stronger than 'annoy': it implies turning someone into an active opponent.
Example Sentences
- 1.
He has a talent for antagonizing the very people he needs help from.
- 2.
The new policy antagonized voters who had once supported the party.
- 3.
Try not to antagonize your boss right before the review.