Definition of enmity

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en·mi·ty    (nm-t) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. en·mi·ties

Deep-seated, often mutual hatred.

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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). 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.