animus
noun/ˈæ.nɪ.məs/
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin animus (“the mind, in a great variety of meanings: the rational soul in man, intellect, consciousness, will, intention, courage, spirit, sensibility, feeling, passion, pride, vehemence, wrath, etc., the breath, life, soul”), from Proto-Italic *anamos, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂enh₁mos, from *h₂enh₁- (“to breathe”). Closely related to Latin anima, which is a feminine form.
1
Usually The basic impulses and instincts which govern one's actions.
2
Usually A feeling of enmity, animosity or ill will.
- The current row arose swiftly, sparked both by historical animus and jockeying over future power and place in Asia - and it surprised many observers in the depth of antipathy on both sides.2005 April 22, Christian Science Monitor:
- However, the Republican party's anti-ESG animus has undoubtedly played a role, according to Bloy.2023 April 29, Kenza Bryan, “US investors ditch green funds on ‘woke capitalism’ backlash”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 14:
1 more example
- Despite the animus against him, Mélenchon came within an inch of making the presidential election run-off in 2022, just behind Le Pen.2025 May 3, Leila Abboud, “Lunch with the FT: Jean-Luc Mélenchon”, in FT Weekend (Life & Arts section), London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 3:
3
Law Usually Intention, motivation (of a legal person).
4
Usually The masculine aspect of the feminine psyche or personality.
Jungian psychology
- In the Jungian model of the psyche, the male has an internalized female counterpart, the anima; while the female has an internalized masculine counterpart, the animus.1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 31:
- Derived terms
- animus furandi, animus injuriandi, animus nocendi
- Related terms
- anima, animose, animosity, equanimity, unanimous