Animus Contrahendi Definition: Latin: an intention to contract. Related Terms: Animus Sometimes spelled animus contra-hendi. The doctrine of animis contrahendi was explained by Fridman as follows: "A contract can only arise if there is the animus contrahendi between the parties. Without the expressed or implicit intention that a contract should emerge as a result of the language or conduct of the alleged parties, no contractual obligations can be said to exist and be capable of enforcement." REFERENCES: Fridman, G., The Law of Contract in Canada, 5th Ed. (Toronto: Thomson-Carswell, 2006). Categories & Topics: Contract Law Dictionary Dictionary of Latin Law Terms Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!