enmity
UK: ˈen.mə.ti | US: ˈen.mə.ti
n. a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility between individuals or groups.
enmity = en<in, into> + mity<hostility>
- en (from Latin in-, meaning "in, into")
- mity (from Latin -mitas, derived from inimicus "enemy," combining in- "not" + amicus "friend")
Etymology Origin:
The word "enmity" traces back to Latin inimicitia, meaning "hostility," which itself stems from inimicus ("enemy"). The prefix en- (from in-) intensifies the root -mity, reflecting a deep-seated opposition. Over time, the term evolved through Old French enemistié before entering Middle English as "enmity," retaining its core sense of mutual hatred or antagonism.
The long-standing enmity between the two families made reconciliation difficult.
Political enmity often overshadows collaborative progress.
Their personal enmity dates back to a dispute in college.
The treaty aimed to dissolve decades of enmity between the nations.
She sensed no enmity in his tone, only weary resignation.