Antagonism

Antagonism refers to a relationship where one entity actively opposes, inhibits, or reduces the effect of another. In biology, it often describes interactions like drugs or hormones that work against each other—for example, an antagonist drug that blocks a receptor to prevent a response. In general, antagonism involves a counteracting force or influence that diminishes or negates the effect of another, maintaining a balance or controlling overactivity in systems such as the body, ecosystems, or competitive scenarios.