Fientlighet

Fientlighet is a noun describing a negative attitude or relation characterized by antagonism toward other people, groups, or nations. In Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish usage, it can refer to both personal hostility and broader enmity between groups.

The term is derived from the word for "enemy" and the suffix -lighet, forming a concept of the state or quality of being hostile.

In psychology and sociology, fientlighet can describe a trait (a relatively stable tendency to perceive others as threatening) or a state (a current episode of antagonism). In everyday language, it denotes a pattern of antagonistic attitudes or behaviors.

Causes and factors: It may arise from competition, perceived threats, past conflicts, prejudice, fear, or ideological disagreement. Socialization, media framing, and structural inequalities can reinforce it.

Manifestations: Interpersonal hostility includes insults, aggression, or shunning; intergroup hostility can show as discrimination, stereotyping, or conflict between communities.

Implications: Prolonged fientlighet undermines trust, cooperation, and conflict resolution, and can escalate violence. Addressing it often involves dialogue, trust-building, transparency, and policies to reduce threat perceptions and prejudice.

See also: hostility, enmity, conflict, conflict resolution, xenophobia.