agonist

noun

ag·​o·​nist ˈa-gə-nist 

1

: one that is engaged in a struggle

2

[from antagonist]

a

: a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired

b

: a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance

dopaminergic agonists

compare antagonist sense 2b

Examples of agonist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some doctors who treat PCOS, including OB-GYNs or endocrinologists, have also begun prescribing GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have shown promise for some women with PCOS, although studies have been small and early -stage. —Caroline Hopkins, NBC News, 31 Mar. 2024

Saxenda is marketed by Novo Nordisk, Inc. This drug belongs to a larger class of drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which was originally introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. —David Snyder, Verywell Health, 30 Mar. 2024

These include bloating, fatigue, and hot flashes. GnRH antagonist: These drugs are a newer treatment and have fewer side effects than GnRH agonists. —Anna Almendrala, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

The Food and Drug Administration’s preliminary analysis Thursday showed no clear relationship between adverse-event reports of suicidal thoughts or actions and the drugs for weight-loss and diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1s. —Liz Essley Whyte, WSJ, 11 Jan. 2024

What are the risks of taking GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy? Taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes during pregnancy does not pose more risks for the fetus compared to insulin treatment, according to a large new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. —Alexa Lee, STAT, 12 Dec. 2023

With the skyrocketing popularity of GLP-1 agonists—the class of drugs that treat obesity such as Wegovy and Zepbound—people are increasingly turning to pharmaceuticals to aid in weight loss, Burris says. —Lindsey Leake, Fortune Well, 18 Mar. 2024

Due to its properties as a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine is less likely to lead to overdose compared with full opioid agonists such as oxycodone. —Joëlla W. Adams, STAT, 5 Jan. 2024

This is a form of medication known as a dual agonist, which works on two separate pathways. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin agōnista, borrowed from Greek agōnistḗs, from agōnízesthai "to contend, fight" + -istēs -ist entry 1 — more at agonize

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

agonist

noun

ag·​o·​nist ˈag-ə-nəst 

1

: a muscle that on contracting is automatically checked and controlled by the opposing simultaneous contraction of another muscle

called also agonist muscle, prime mover

compare antagonist sense a, synergist sense 2

2

: a chemical substance (as a drug) capable of combining with a receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding of an endogenous substance

binding of adrenergic agonists

compare antagonist sense b