# enmity

/ˈɛnməti/ (US) · /ˈɛnmɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enmity
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a feeling of strong hate or being an enemy toward someone. It is a deep, long-lasting dislike that often leads to conflict.

For teachers: a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility. Refers to a deep-seated animosity that typically exists between two parties over a long period.

## Examples

- There is a long history of enmity between the two families.
- The decades of political enmity made it nearly impossible for the two leaders to reach a peace agreement.
- The treaty was designed to end centuries of regional enmity, yet underlying tensions remained visible in the way the borders were eventually drawn.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of hostility; countable when referring to specific instances or historical periods of conflict.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.