antipathy

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