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

There is animosity towards the media, driven by hurt among both Jewish and Arab Australians over a belief they and their communities have been misrepresented, and frustration at what some feel is incitement against them.

From BBC

Tensions rose between the Hostages Families Forum and Israel's government; there was open animosity from some government supporters.

From BBC

Back in 2011, she said, there was no public animosity towards them, and they stayed in Thailand throughout the fighting.

From BBC

Combs has threatened to sue Netflix over the documentary, claiming key footage in it was stolen from him, and that the project was skewed by animosity Jackson has against him.

From The Wall Street Journal

The president added that there was “a historic opportunity” for Syria and Israel to have a “long and prosperous relationship together” after decades of war and animosity between the two neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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