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Wordabulary

antagonize

Pronunciation
Verb B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

To deliberately make someone feel angry or hostile toward you.

"He seemed to enjoy antagonizing his younger brother during long car rides."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

provoke irritate

Antonyms

soothe appease

Usage notes

"Antagonize" implies deliberate provocation, unlike "annoy," which can happen without any real intention.

Test yourself

In your own words, what does "antagonize" mean?

To deliberately make someone feel angry or hostile toward you.

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