hostility
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hostility
A hostile statement or action directed against someone, intended to hurt, belittle, or attack the person. Often used in the plural.
Nach seiner umstrittenen Rede sah sich der Politiker massiven Anfeindungen ausgesetzt.
After his controversial speech, the politician was subjected to massive hostility.
'Anfeindung' (hostility) comes from the word 'der Feind' (the enemy). An 'Anfeindung' is therefore an action with which you treat someone like an enemy.
Nach dem Streit betrachteten sie sich als Feinde.
After the argument, they regarded each other as enemies.
This noun is almost always used in the plural ('Anfeindungen'), since it is usually about repeated or multiple hostile actions.
Die Journalistin berichtete von täglichen Anfeindungen im Internet.
The journalist reported daily hostile attacks online.
A very common and fixed expression is 'Anfeindungen ausgesetzt sein' (to be exposed to hostility/hostile attacks). It means that someone is the target of hostile attacks.
Als erste Frau in dieser Position war sie vielen Anfeindungen ausgesetzt.
As the first woman in this position, she was subjected to a lot of hostility.
criticism / review
'die Kritik' and 'die Anfeindung' can both be directed negatively against a person or thing. 'Kritik' points out mistakes or weaknesses and can be meant objectively. 'Anfeindung' is hostile and is intended to attack, hurt, or belittle someone. It is therefore more personal and aggressive than normal criticism. Learners may confuse the words because both can sound unpleasant. A good way to remember it is: criticism can help; hostility attacks.
Nach dem Interview erlebt die Politikerin viele Anfeindungen im Netz.
After the interview, the politician experienced a lot of hostility online.
Die Kritik an dem Plan war berechtigt, weil wichtige Kosten fehlten.
The criticism of the plan was justified because important costs were missing.