English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

enmity

EHN-mih-tee
noun
1
A deep-seated feeling of hostility or ill will between people or groups.
"Years of enmity between the two families finally came to a head."
"There was open enmity between the two rival companies."

How to Use Enmity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStrong mutual hostility, as between enemies.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "amity" (friendship) — they're near-opposites that look and sound similar.

Easily confused with
amity
Common pairings
deep enmity mutual enmity enmity between

Word Forms

enmities plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “enmity” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Years of _____ between the two families finally came to a head.

Etymology

From Old French enemisté, from Latin inimicus, "enemy".

Related Words

Rhymes for enmity

See all rhymes for enmity →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial