PoliticsAugust 15, 2026

animus

AN-ih-muhs

Definition

Hostility, deep-seated resentment, or a strong ill will directed toward a person or group.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'animus,' meaning 'soul,' 'mind,' or 'spirit.' In English, it evolved from its neutral meaning of 'intent' to denote a feeling of strong dislike or hostility.

In the news

The article uses 'animus' to describe the political bias that motivated the government investigation, noting it was driven by hostility rather than evidence of criminal conduct.

NYT: Government Investigated Left-Leaning Groups Amid Minnesota Unrest

Read the full article ↗

Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM

Related words

abortifacients

Substances or medicinal plants that are capable of inducing an abortion.

Politics

afsa

A specific local or government-related term referring to a type of payment, debt, or…

Politics

anaesthetists

Medical professionals who are trained to administer anesthesia and monitor patients…

Politics

attan

A traditional, rhythmic group dance native to the Pashtun people of Afghanistan and…

Politics

bandhani

A traditional Indian textile technique involving tie-dyeing fabric to create intricate,…

Politics

bandhej

A traditional tie-dye textile technique originating in western India, often characterized…

Politics

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.