noun
animosity
an-ih-MAH-suh-tee/ˌænɪˈmɑːsəti/
Strong feelings of hostility toward someone or something.
Years of animosity make the neighbors reluctant to discuss their shared fence.
Etymology
Being bold or spirited underlies animosity’s earlier meaning of vigor or bravery. Its modern hostility sense reflects a secondary Latin meaning, turning spirited vehemence into active hostile feeling.
In context
a bad system that creates a lot of animosity between people and divides people
More examples
- There is little animosity between the former rivals now.
- His remarks deepen the animosity within the committee.
- She tries to resolve the disagreement without personal animosity.
Similar words
- hostility
- The broad equivalent, often including openly unfriendly behavior.
- resentment
- More specifically concerns feeling wronged or unfairly treated.