n. 1. An agent, for example a drug or hormone, that works to reduce the action of an agonist - for example, by preventing an agonist agent from binding with a binding site. It may bind in a competitive manner or to a completely different binding site on the receptor (see pharmacological antagonism). 2. Also refers to the opposing actions of muscles that move by utilizing the antagonist-agonist action to go in the intended direction or slow down when approaching the target (see also equilibrium-point model). 3. The thwarter of another individual, using adversary action.
ANTAGONIST: "The antagonist reduced the actions and speed of the nervous system by binding to the sites intended for the neurotransmitter. "
Cite this page: N., Sam M.S., "ANTAGONIST," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/antagonist/ (accessed March 19, 2023).
