Inflected forms: pl. en·mi·ties Deep-seated, often mutual hatred.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English enemite, from Old French enemistie, from Vulgar Latin *inimcits, from Latin inimcus, enemy. See enemy.
SYNONYMS:
enmity, hostility, antagonism, animosity, rancor, antipathy, animus These nouns refer to the feeling or expression of deep-seated ill will. Enmity is hatred such as might be felt for an enemy: the wartime enmity of the two nations.Hostility implies the clear expression of enmity: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find . . . enough to disarm all hostility” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow). Antagonism is hostility that quickly results in active resistance, opposition, or contentiousness: “the early struggles of famous authors, the notorious antagonism of publishers and editors to any new writer of exceptional promise” (Edith Wharton, April Showers 1900.) Animosity often triggers bitter resentment or punitive action: overcame her animosity toward her parents.Rancor suggests vengeful hatred and resentment: filled with rancor after losing his job.Antipathy is deep-seated aversion or repugnance: an antipathy to social pretension.Animus is distinctively personal, often based on one's prejudices or temperament: an inexplicable animus against intellectuals.
n
m
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s, from Latin inim
