Definition

Noun: 1. A feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or hostility, often motivating opposition or antagonistic action. This is the primary and most common meaning. It refers to a deep-seated, often prejudiced, negative feeling that drives someone to act against another person or group. 2. Animus (in Jungian psychology): The masculine aspect of the female psyche, as proposed by Carl Jung. This is a specialized, technical meaning distinct from the common usage.

Usage and Examples

• Basic Usage (Feeling of Hostility):
  • Despite their professional collaboration, there was a clear animus between the two politicians.
  • Her criticism was driven more by personal animus than by factual errors in the report.
  • The editorial was filled with animus toward the new policy.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Legal Context: In legal language, "animus" can refer to the underlying intent or motive behind an action, especially a discriminatory one (e.g., against a protected class).
• Formal Register: The word is typically used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts to describe deep-seated prejudice or hostility, rather than a simple, temporary annoyance.

Variants and Related Words

• Animosities (plural noun): Instances or manifestations of animus.
• Animus (Jungian psychology): As mentioned in the definition, this is a distinct, specialized term.

Synonyms

• Hostility: Unfriendly or antagonistic attitude.
• Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike.
• Animosity: Strong hostility (very close in meaning, often used interchangeably).
• Ill will: Malevolent or unkind feeling.
• Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially long-standing.

Antonyms

• Goodwill: Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feeling.
• Amity: A friendly relationship.
• Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.

Notes on Usage

• "Animus" is an uncountable noun when referring to the feeling itself (e.g., ). The plural "animuses" is rare; "animosities" is preferred for multiple instances.
• It is important to distinguish the common English meaning (hostility) from the specialized Jungian psychological term. Context usually makes this clear.

Noun

1. a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility