First Known Use: 1816
Dictionary
animus
noun an·i·mus \ˈa-nə-məs\
: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred
Full Definition of ANIMUS
1
: basic attitude or governing spirit : disposition, intention
2
: a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
3
: an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung — compare anima
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Origin of ANIMUS
Latin, spirit, mind, courage, anger
Related to ANIMUS
Synonym Discussion of ANIMUS
enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <hostility between the two nations>. antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his letters>. animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.
Other Psychology Terms
Medical Dictionary
animus
noun an·i·mus \ˈan-ə-məs\
Medical Definition of ANIMUS
: an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung—compare anima 1
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