animosity

[an-uh-mos-i-tee]

noun

plural

animosities 

1. a feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or enmity that tends to display itself in action.

   a deep-seated animosity between two sisters; animosity against one's neighbor.

   Synonyms: hatred, animus, antagonism, opposition, unfriendliness, hostility

animosity

/ ˌænɪˈmɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a powerful and active dislike or hostility; enmity

Word History and Origins

Origin of animosity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English animosite, from Middle French, from Late Latin animōsitāt-, stem of animōsitās “ardor, boldness, wrath,” from Latin animōs(us) “spirited” (from anim(us) animus + -ōsus -ose ¹ ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of animosity¹

C15: from Late Latin animōsitās, from Latin animōsus spirited, from _animus

Example Sentences

Up to now, Martin has been a human shield, an easy punchbag, but for all the animosity he drew no Rangers fan thinks that the club's problems began and ended with him.

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If there was a moment that set a tone of animosity for the event, it was right there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Also in the court documents, Ms Griffin-Williams alleges Mr Williams's actions towards her "were motivated by personal animosity towards her".

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But Modi's visit to China could repair some animosity and send a very clear signal to Washington that India has options.

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When such a show revolves around a person who is essentially a hobbyist with a massive platform, the animosity is especially biting.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• acrimony 
• animus 
• antagonism 
• antipathy 
• bad blood 
• bitterness 
• enmity 
• hate 
• hatred 
• hostility 
• ill will 
• malice 
• rancor 
• resentment