The word 对抗 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core concept to create a new, unified meaning. The first character, 对 (duì), carries the idea of facing something directly, often in an opposing or counterpart manner. The second character, 抗 (kàng), means to resist, defy, or withstand. When placed together, they visually and conceptually synthesize to depict a scenario of mutual, direct opposition, one side facing and the other resisting, forming the comprehensive notion of "to oppose", "to confront", or "antagonism".