Enmity, n.; pl. Enmities.
Etymology: [OE. enemyte, fr. enemy: cf. F. inimitié, OF. enemistié. See Enemy, and cf. Amity.]
1. The quality of being an enemy; hostile or unfriendly disposition. No ground of enmity between us known. Milton.
2. A state of opposition; hostility. The friendship of the world is enmity with God. James iv. 4.
Syn. -- Rancor; hostility; hatred; aversion; antipathy; repugnance; animosity; ill will; malice; malevolence. See Animosity, Rancor.
Shades of meaning
Enmity is the state of being an enemy or the feeling and disposition characterizing an enemy (compare enemy). Animosity denotes a feeling more active and vehement, but often less enduring and determined, than enmity. Enmity distinctly recognizes its object as an enemy, to be met or dealt with accordingly. Hostility is enmity in action; the term hostilities between nations denotes actual armed collision. Bitterness is a resentful feeling arising from a belief that one has been wronged; acrimony is a kindred feeling, but deeper and more persistent, and may arise from the crossing of one's wishes or plans by another, where no injustice or wrong is felt. Antagonism, as between two competing authors or merchants, does not necessarily imply enmity, but ordinarily suggests a shade, at least, of hostile feeling. Malice is a disposition or intent to injure others, for the gratification of some evil passion; malignity is intense and violent enmity, hatred, or malice. Compare synonyms for acrimony; anger; hatred.