Dic: Synonyms: enmity, hostility, antagonism, animosity, rancor, antipathy, animus

These nouns refer to the feeling or expression of deep-seated ill will.

Enmity is hatred such as might be felt for an enemy:

• the wartime enmity of the two nations.

Hostility implies the clear expression of enmity:

• "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find . . . enough to disarm all hostility" (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).

Antagonism is hostility that quickly results in active resistance, opposition, or contentiousness:

• "the early struggles of famous authors, the notorious antagonism of publishers and editors to any new writer of exceptional promise" (Edith Wharton).

Animosity often triggers bitter resentment or punitive action:

• overcame her animosity toward her parents.

Rancor suggests vengeful hatred and resentment:

• filled with rancor after losing his job.

Antipathy is deep-seated aversion or repugnance:

• an antipathy to social pretension.

Animus is distinctively personal, often based on one's prejudices or temperament:

• an inexplicable animus against intellectuals.

.... The American Heritage