animosity

American  

[an-uh-mos-i-tee] / ˌæn əˈmɒs ɪ ti /

noun

animosities plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• animosities
  plural

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

Explanation

Animosity is a strong feeling similar to hatred. If your (supposed) best buddy embarrasses you in front of a big crowd, your friendship could turn into animosity. Animosity comes from the Latin word animus, meaning "spirit" or "mind." That's also the root of the word animated — literally, "full of spirit." So how did animosity get so negative? Over the centuries, the original meaning of "high spirits" soured into "hatred." Today we most often speak of animosity toward, between, among, or against people. Keeping your animosity in check might make steam come out your ears.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

animosity animosities

Rather than fuel the animosity, the Friends made Saturday more of an awakening than a protest.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026

Chaewon – who is absent from our interview as she recovers from a neck injury – has attributed the song's angst to communication problems, rather than personal animosity.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

More than a million Muslims are gathering in Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage overshadowed by the Middle East war, as animosity smoulders across the region despite a fragile ceasefire.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

These were white women who had had a religious upbringing, and they knew that their views would be met with judgment or even animosity from family and neighbors.

From Slate ● May 4, 2026

And there was so much animosity between the Abwehr and the Gestapo that they weren't allowed to frequent many of the same places because it would result in fights.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

In consequence, Messrs. Lender and Martin observe, white loyalists were prepared to override ingrained prejudices and animosities, fighting alongside Native Americans and escaped black slaves.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026

Indonesia said the forum should be a place for cooperation and not for the sharpening of animosities.

From Reuters ● Sep. 7, 2023

The talks saw Japan and South Korea put aside their historical animosities to forge a defense pact with the United States aimed at deterring Chinese and North Korean aggression.

From New York Times ● Aug. 19, 2023

North Korea has made numerous similar accusations over U.S. reconnaissance activities, but its latest statements came amid heightened animosities over North Korea’s torrid run of weapons tests since the start of last year.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 11, 2023

These two groups were obliged to work side by side in the war plants, and their animosities festered and opened like boils on the face of the city.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Related Words

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