animus

Noun

animus (usually uncountable, plural animuses)

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

   Synonyms:

   bad blood

3. (usually) Intention, motivation (of a legal person).
4. (usually, Jungian psychology) The masculine aspect of the feminine psyche or personality.
   • 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