noun
- Plural of agonism; instances or systems of struggle, conflict, or competition between opposing forces or ideas.
- In pharmacology, plural of agonism; the action or effect of an agonist (a substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor).
Usage: Often used in academic or philosophical contexts to describe theoretical frameworks emphasizing productive conflict.
Usage: technical; medical/scientific
Examples
- Political theorists study various agonisms within democratic systems.
- The agonisms between tradition and innovation shape cultural evolution.
- Different agonisms emerge when competing interest groups vie for resources.
- In pharmacology, partial agonisms produce weaker responses than full agonisms.
- The philosopher explored how agonisms can be productive rather than merely destructive.
- Social agonisms often reflect deeper ideological differences.