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animus

[ an-uh-muhs ]
/ ˈén ə məs /
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noun
strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.
motivating purpose or intention; animating spirit.
(in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the masculine principle, especially as present in women.Compare anima (def. 2b).

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Origin of animus

First recorded in 1810–20; from Latin: literally, “mind, spirit, courage, passion, wrath”; akin to Greek ánemos “wind”; see also anima
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use animus in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for animus

animus
/ (ˈÊnÉȘməs) /

noun
intense dislike; hatred; animosity
motive, intention, or purpose
(in Jungian psychology) the masculine principle present in the female unconsciousSee also anima

Word Origin for animus

C19: from Latin: mind, spirit
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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