animosity
UK: ˌæn.ɪˈmɒs.ə.ti | US: ˌæn.əˈmɑː.sə.ti
n. strong hostility or opposition, often manifesting as hatred or ill will.
The word "animosity" traces back to the Latin animus (meaning "spirit," "mind," or "hostile feeling"), which evolved into Old French animosité (hostility). The suffix "-osity" (from Latin -ositas) denotes a state or quality, transforming the root into a noun describing intense hostility. Historically, animus could imply both courage and anger, but in English, the negative connotation ("ill will") became dominant. The morphemes reflect a shift from abstract "spirit" to focused antagonism.
The animosity between the rival gangs led to frequent clashes.
Despite their past friendship, deep animosity now colored their interactions.
Political debates often reveal underlying animosity between opposing parties.
She couldn’t hide her animosity toward her unfair critic.
Time did little to lessen the animosity between the feuding families.