Agonistic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /aɡəˈnɪstɪk/

Origin

From Ancient Greek ἀγωνιστικός.

Full definition of agonistic

Adjective

1. Of or relating to contests that were originally participated in by the Ancient Greeks; athletic.
2. (zoology, anthropology) Characterised by conflict or hostility.
• 2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books 2007, p. 66:This was clearly such an event, but like the ancient religion of Israel, it was also deeply agonistic.
3. (rhetoric) Argumentative, combative.
4. (pharmacology) Pertaining to an agonist.

Derived terms

• agonistic buffer
• agonistic monoclonal antibody
• agonistic muscle
• agonistic pluralism
• agonistic threat display