antagonize
/ænˈtæɡənaɪz/
verb
- To cause someone to feel hostile, angry, or unfriendly toward you.
- The politician's speech was designed to antagonize his opponents rather than build bridges.
- His rude comments during the meeting only served to antagonize his coworkers.
- If you keep teasing the dog, you will antagonize it and it might bite.
- To act in a way that creates conflict or opposition.
- The new policy will antagonize many voters who feel their rights are being ignored.
- The company's decision to raise prices could antagonize its most loyal customers.
- She didn't mean to antagonize the group, but her suggestion was seen as a challenge.