rancor

especially British, ran·cour

[rang-ker]

noun

1. bitter, rankling resentment or ill will; hatred; malice.

   Synonyms: animosity, venom, spite, bitterness
   Antonyms: benevolence

Other Word Forms

• rancored adjective
• unrancored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rancor¹

1175–1225; Middle English rancour, from Middle French, from Late Latin rancōr- (stem of rancor ) “rancidity,” equivalent to Latin ranc(ēre) ( rancid ) + -ōr- -or ¹

Synonym Study

See malevolence.

Example Sentences

We were humbled by his wisdom, and all the rancor was relieved from our bodies.

From Los Angeles Times

Another, equally important, is to try to unify the country as far as possible after the rancor of a divisive election campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

Once upon a time, it was possible to believe Donald Trump would set aside rancor and lies and be a president for us all.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Trump had glided down his golden escalator to announce his candidacy a year earlier, the nation was accustomed to rancor and sharpening divisions.

From Los Angeles Times

In France, particularly, a historical legacy that still causes rancor was the wartime behavior of the wealthy elite.

From Salon

Related Words

• acrimony 
• animosity 
• animus 
• antagonism 
• bad blood 
• bitterness 
• enmity 
• grudge 
• harshness www.thesaurus.com
• hatred 
• hostility 
• ill will 
• malice 
• resentment 
• venom