Antipathy refers to a strong feeling of dislike, aversion, or hostility towards someone or something.

It implies a deep-seated negative emotion, often irrational or intense, that leads to avoidance or rejection.

Here are common contexts where “antipathy” is used:

1. Personal Dislike: Antipathy is often used to describe a strong, personal feeling of dislike for an individual, such as “She felt an instant antipathy toward her new colleague”.
2. Group or Societal Aversion: Antipathy can also describe negative feelings toward a group, idea, or practice, like “There is a growing antipathy toward corruption in the government.”
3. Emotional or Psychological Reaction: It can refer to a deep emotional reaction that goes beyond mere disagreement or discomfort, carrying a strong sense of aversion or opposition.
4. Philosophy or Ethics: In moral discussions, antipathy may refer to an instinctive or visceral feeling against something that is considered wrong or immoral.

In essence, antipathy signifies a strong emotional resistance or distaste that can be directed at people, ideas, or things.