n. pl. a·gon·es (ə-gōnēz) 1. A conflict, especially between the protagonist and antagonist in a work of literature. 2. The part of an ancient Greek drama, especially a comedy, in which two characters engage in verbal dispute. 3. A test of will; a conflict: "Freud's originality stemmed from his aggression and ambition in his agon with biology" (Harold Bloom). 4. A contest in ancient Greece, as in athletics or music, in which prizes were awarded. [Greek agōn; see AGONY.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.