inimical
adjective
Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly and hostile. Describes conditions, attitudes, or forces that work against something.
Etymology
From Late Latin "inimicalis" (hostile), from Latin "inimicus" (enemy), from "in" (not) + "amicus" (friend). The word emphasizes active opposition.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The arid climate proved inimical to European farming methods."
- 2.
"His ideas were inimical to the established order."
- 3.
"Excessive regulation can be inimical to small business growth."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The legal phrase "inimical to public interest" appears in many regulatory decisions. Courts use it to describe activities that harm society, connecting the ancient concept of enmity to modern governance.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (I, N, I, M, I, C, A, L)
Scrabble Value: 12 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "IN" at the start of words.
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