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View synonyms for animus

animus

[an-uh-muhs]

noun

  1. strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.

  2. motivating purpose or intention; animating spirit.

  3. (in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the masculine principle, especially as present in women.



animus

/ ˈænɪməs /

noun

  1. intense dislike; hatred; animosity

  2. motive, intention, or purpose

  3. (in Jungian psychology) the masculine principle present in the female unconscious See also anima

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of animus1

First recorded in 1810–20; from Latin: literally, “mind, spirit, courage, passion, wrath”; akin to Greek ánemos “wind”; anima
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Word History and Origins

Origin of animus1

C19: from Latin: mind, spirit
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Compare Meanings

How does animus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To prove vindictive prosecution, a defendant must show through objective evidence that the prosecutor acted with “genuine animus” and that the defendant would not have been prosecuted except for that hostility.

Read more on Salon

Webb said an internal investigation into the incident concluded there was no racial animus.

Decades of research has shown that racial animus and racism are tied to support of the GOP, conservatism and, now, Trumpism.

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You could take issue with something he wrote and then debate it and there was never any animus.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Officials added: “This is a case study of billboard law firms trying to turn family resemblance into racial animus to collect clicks, clout, and cash.”

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