n.; pl. Animosities [ F. animosité, fr. L. animositas. See Animose, Animate, v. t. ] 1. Mere spiritedness or courage. [ Obs. ] Skelton. [ 1913 Webster ] Such as give some proof of animosity, audacity, and execution, those she [ the crocodile ] loveth. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity; energetic dislike. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Enmity; hatred; opposition. -- Animosity, Enmity. Enmity be dormant or concealed; animosity is active enmity, inflamed by collision and mutual injury between opposing parties. The animosities which were continually springing up among the clans in Scotland kept that kingdom in a state of turmoil and bloodshed for successive ages. The animosities which have been engendered among Christian sects have always been the reproach of the church. [ 1913 Webster ] Such [ writings ] as naturally conduce to inflame hatreds and make enmities irreconcilable. Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ] [ These ] factions . . . never suspended their animosities till they ruined that unhappy government. Hume. [ 1913 Webster ] |