animus

[ an-uh-muh s ]

/ ˈæn ə məs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR animus ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.

purpose; intention; animating spirit.

(in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the masculine principle, especially as present in women (contrasted with anima).

Nearby words

animatronics, anime, animis opibusque parati, animism, animosity, animus, animé, anion, anion exchange, anion gap, anion-exchange resin

Origin of animus

1810–20; < Latin: mind, spirit, courage, passion, wrath; akin to anima

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for animus

The depth of rage, animus and violence that was directed at him—“Spittle flying, the N word flying”—continues to astound him.
NPR’s Smooth-Talking Millennial Whisperer|Batya Ungar-Sargon|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nevertheless, the anti-Thaksin animus redounds so powerfully to Yingluck that she faces more pressure after the election.
Thai Election Not Likely To Resolve Protests|Lennox Samuels|February 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I have no animus for those who are touched by such heights of fame.
Harry Belafonte: Black Artists Must Do More|Harry Belafonte|September 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Hence the animus of former candidate and Texas Governor Rick Perry, candidate Ron Paul, and even Mitt Romney.
The Fed’s Forthright Admission About Our Messy Economic Situation|Zachary Karabell|June 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST

In their meeting, Mao made explicit both his patience on Taiwan and animus against Moscow.
Winston Lord and Leslie H. Gelb: Nixon’s China Opening, 40 Years Later|Winston Lord, Leslie H. Gelb|February 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There was no animus in the voice, only surprise and disappointment.
The Major|Ralph Connor
Probably it would not have saved him; but the animus of his Holiness was not shown to his advantage on the occasion.
The Duchess of Trajetto|Anne Manning
Austen did not smile; he could well understand his father's animus in this matter.
Mr. Crewe's Career, Complete|Winston Churchill
Gibbon, because of his anti-Christian animus, is hostile to Constantine; but he admits that he was temperate and chaste.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind|Herbert George Wells
And the animus in Lady Level's answer was so intense that the husband and wife exchanged stolen glances.
The Story of Charles Strange Vol. 1 (of 3)|Mrs. Henry Wood

British Dictionary definitions for animus

animus

/ (ˈænɪməs) /

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

Medicine definitions for animus

animus

[ ăn′ə-məs ]

n.

An animating or energizing spirit.

Intention to do something; disposition.

A spirit of active hostility; ill will.

In Jungian psychology, the masculine inner personality as present in the unconscious of the female.