Definitions

1. verb

to cause someone to feel hostility or opposition; to provoke or incite someone to take action against something or someone

“The politician’s inflammatory speech was designed to antagonise the opposition party.”

2. verb

to represent a character who opposes the hero in a play, novel, or other work of fiction; to play a role as an opponent or adversary

“In the play, she will antagonise the protagonist by trying to sabotage his plans.”

3. verb

to cause something to be in a state of opposition or conflict; to create a situation where two or more opposing forces or interests are in conflict

“The new policy will antagonise the interests of the local business owners.”

4. noun

a person who opposes or is in conflict with another person or group

“The antagonist in the story is a mysterious figure who is working against the protagonist.”