animosity

American  

[an-uh-mos-i-tee] / ˌæn əˈmɒs ɪ ti /

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

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animosity British  

/ ˌænɪˈmɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a powerful and active dislike or hostility; enmity

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Etymology

Origin of animosity

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

Example Sentences

The poise of the prose somehow heightens the tension of this superbly crafted story, a thriller that shows how the animosities of war live on beyond the fighting.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Some may look at this incident as being somewhat playful, but it's hard to dissociate what could very easily be construed as animosity toward the police," he said.

From BBC

However, ties between Brazil and the United States appear to be on the mend after months of animosity between Washington and Brasilia.

From Barron's

Ties between Brazil and the United States appear to be on the mend after months of animosity between Washington and Brasilia.

From Barron's

How much of it was talk and how much genuine animosity matters little now - both can be celebrated for their achievements and standing in British boxing.

From BBC

Related Words

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