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

And now, new medications known as GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated impressive results, with some patients losing more than 20 percent of body weight. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

There’s a lot of research happening now to see how GLP-1 receptor agonists may impact a range of health conditions. —Korin Miller, Flow Space, 4 Dec. 2024

The rule would expand access to medications known as GLP-1 agonists for millions of Americans struggling with obesity, who are at higher risk of diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease, according to a White House fact sheet. —Tina Reed, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

The figures offer more evidence of the insatiable demand for a buzzy class of medications called GLP-1 and GIP agonists, which mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024

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