animosity

[ an-uh-mos-i-tee ]

noun

, plural an·i·mos·i·ties.

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: unfriendliness, hatred, animus, antagonism, opposition, hostility

animosity

/ ˌænɪˈmɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a powerful and active dislike or hostility; enmity

Word History and Origins

Origin of animosity¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of animosity¹

C15: from Late Latin animōsitās, from Latin animōsus spirited, from animus

Example Sentences

"It's another game, another week but you obviously carry a bit of animosity from previous encounters."

From BBC

"It's another game, another week at least but you obviously carry a bit of animosity from previous encounters."

From BBC

Yes, California’s newly elected Democratic senator requires bulked-up security to get through life, thanks to the animosity and violent threats stirred up by the vengeful president-elect.

From Los Angeles Times

She said Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were not considered to pose a threat of violence and there was no animosity between them and fans of Dutch club Ajax.

From BBC

But virtually ever since, animosity between the preeminent global body and the tiny Middle Eastern country has steadily grown, escalating now as U.N. forces have been drawn into Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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