enmity

noun (plural -ties) Etymology: Middle English enmite, from Anglo-French enemité, enemisté, from enemi enemy Date: 13th century positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will Synonyms: enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <

an unspoken enmity

>. hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <

hostility between the two nations

>. antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <

a natural antipathy for self-seekers

> <

antagonism between the brothers

>. animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <

animosity that led to revenge

>. rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <

rancor filled every line of his letters

>. animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <

objections devoid of personal animus

>.