antagonize

/ænˈtæɡ.ɪ.naɪz/

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagōnízomai), from ἀντι- (anti-) + ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai). By surface analysis, ant- + agon + -ize.

verb

To work against; to oppose (especially to incite a reaction).“The other children constantly antagonized Joe to the point of tears.”