Animus

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ænɪmÉ™s/
• Rhymes: -ænɪmÉ™s
• Homophones: animous

Origin

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"), closely related to anima, which is a feminine form; see anima.

Full definition of animus

Noun

1. The basic impulses and instincts which govern one's actions.
2. A feeling of enmity, animosity or ill will.
• 2005, Christian Science Monitor, April 22The 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.
3. (Jungian psychology) The masculine aspect of the feminine psyche or personality.

Related terms

• anima
• animose
• animosity
• equanimity
• unanimous

Anagrams

• A minus