Enmity
EN-muh-tee
Definition
(noun) Deep-seated hatred or hostility between people or groups.
Example
Years of competition had grown into open enmity, making cooperation nearly impossible.
Word Origin
From Latin inimīcitia, meaning “hostility,” related to inimīcus (“enemy”).
Fun Fact
In literature, enmity often signals a conflict that runs deeper than simple disagreement—it’s the simmering force behind famous rivalries like Montagues vs. Capulets or Holmes vs. Moriarty. Psychologists note that prolonged enmity can reshape group identity: people begin defining themselves by who they oppose. The word captures not just anger, but the enduring emotional landscape that turns opposition into something personal and lasting.