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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of animus¹

C19: from Latin: mind, spirit