Antagonize

To Antagonize means to cause someone to feel hostile or unfriendly towards oneself. It typically involves provoking or irritating others through words or actions, leading to conflict or opposition. The act of antagonizing can have various social and emotional consequences, as it may disrupt relationships, foster resentment, or create an adversarial environment. People may unintentionally Antagonize others or do so deliberately to express disagreement or assert dominance in a situation.

Antagonize meaning with examples

• During the debate, his tendency to Antagonize his opponent by mocking their arguments only served to alienate potential supporters. Instead of winning over the audience, he created an atmosphere of hostility that hindered constructive dialogue.
• In an effort to maintain peace at home, she tried not to Antagonize her siblings during family gatherings. However, her candid remarks about their life choices sometimes sparked unnecessary arguments, leading to uncomfortable tensions.
• The teacher cautioned the students against antagonizing their classmates, highlighting how bullying can lead to severe emotional consequences. She encouraged them to foster inclusivity rather than engage in behaviors that could hurt others.
• While trying to get his point across, he often antagonized his coworkers, making it difficult to collaborate effectively. His combative approach led to strained relationships and a lack of teamwork within the department.
• In her quest to express her opinion, she inadvertently antagonized her friends by dismissing their feelings. They felt misunderstood and unappreciated, which prompted discussions about empathy and the importance of considering others’ perspectives.