1. strong dislike or hatred; hostility
Usage: formal
2. a motivating spirit or intention behind an action
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• There was clear animus between the two rival companies.
• The senator’s animus toward the proposed legislation was evident in his speech.
• She harbored deep animus against those who had wronged her family.
• The critic wrote the review without personal animus.
• The animus behind the reform movement was a desire for social justice.
• His actions were driven by animus rather than rational thought.