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antagonist

[/ænˈtæɡənɪst/]
nounmasculinepl: antagonists
antagonista
1. A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary
The antagonist in the novel plots against the protagonist.
O antagonista no romance faz planos contra o protagonista.
2. In biology/pharmacology, a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another
The drug acts as a dopamine antagonist in the brain.
O medicamento funciona como um antagonista de dopamina no cérebro.
3. In anatomy, a muscle that opposes the action of another muscle (agonist)
The biceps and triceps are antagonist muscles.
O bíceps e o tríceps são músculos antagonistas.
Synonyms
adversaryopponentenemyrivalfoecompetitor
Antonyms
protagonistallysupporterfriendagonist

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
antagonista
Standard usage across Brazil
Portugal
antagonista
Standard usage, identical to Brazilian Portuguese
General
oponente
Alternative less formal term meaning opponent
General
adversário
Alternative meaning adversary or opponent

Related Idioms & Phrases

archenemies
locked in conflict
at odds with
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