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. Compare anima ( def 2b ).

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

Example Sentences

While Rufo, in his Politico interview, insisted the "DEI hire" invocation against Gay was "absolutely not fueled by racial animus" or sexism, it's clear the label largely comes off that way.

From Salon

A local election plagued by animus is not “unique to this particular race,” said Fernando Guerra, a professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University who is unaffiliated with the campaigns.

From Los Angeles Times

But he added: Judge Cannon "clearly has some animus toward the government."

From Salon

Usually, dog whistles contain a patina of “plausible deniability” for hiding racial animus.

From Salon

Fromme did not appear to harbor any specific animus toward President Ford, but he represented an establishment she and the Manson clan despised.

From Los Angeles Times