antagonize
verb
- to incur or provoke the hostility of
- diametrically oppose, neutralizing each other's effect
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ænˈtæɡ.ɪ.naɪz/ / [ɛənˈtæɡ.ɪ.naɪz] / /ænˈtæɡ.ə.naɪz/
verb
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagōnízomai), from ἀντι- (anti-) + ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai). By surface analysis, ant- + agon + -ize.
- To work against; to oppose (especially to incite a reaction).
“The other children constantly antagonized Joe to the point of tears.”