'antagonism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antagōnizesthai,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agōnizesthai' meant 'to struggle.'

'antagōnizesthai' transformed into the Late Latin word 'antagonismus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antagonism' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to struggle against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'active hostility or opposition.'