hostile

[ hos-tl, -tahyl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy:

   a hostile nation.

   Synonyms: aggressive, warlike

   Antonyms: friendly

2. opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic:

   hostile criticism.

   Synonyms: contrary, averse, adverse

   Antonyms: friendly

3. characterized by antagonism.

   Antonyms: sympathetic

4. not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.

noun

1. a person or thing that is antagonistic or unfriendly.
2. Military. an enemy soldier, plane, ship, etc.

hostile

/ ˈhɒstaɪl /

adjective

1. antagonistic; opposed
2. of or relating to an enemy
3. unfriendly

noun

1. a hostile person; enemy

Derived Forms

• ˈhostilely, adverb

Other Words From

• hos·tile·ly adverb
• in·ter·hos·tile adjective
• non·hos·tile adjective
• non·hos·tile·ly adverb
• o·ver·hos·tile adjective
• o·ver·hos·tile·ly adverb
• pre·hos·tile adjective
• sem·i·hos·tile adjective
• sem·i·hos·tile·ly adverb
• un·hos·tile adjective
• un·hos·tile·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hostile¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin hostīlis, equivalent to hostis “enemy” ( host ² ) + -īlis -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of hostile¹

C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy

Synonym Study

Hostile, inimical indicate that which characterizes an enemy or something injurious to one's interests. Hostile applies to the spirit, attitude, or action of an enemy: They showed a hostile and menacing attitude. Inimical applies to an antagonistic or injurious tendency or influence: Their remarks were inimical to his reputation.

Example Sentences

“Even if we weren't dealing with a hostile administration, someone couldn't snap their fingers and restore all the access we have lost over the past two years,” Dingus said.

From Salon

They recognized that the club’s direct democratic process — and its annual elections of three members of its 15-person board — was a vulnerability, and they assembled the first stages of a plan: a hostile takeover.

From Salon

Rogers plays in an area of the pitch where England have a lot of depth - but with Foden, Palmer, Grealish and Saka all out, the forward could have a great chance to show what he can do in a hostile environment against opponents that took England apart in September.

From BBC

Is that divisive and hostile to “job creators”? Would some voters believe that Ocasio-Cortez is too liberal to be president?

From Slate

As hostile as the discourse is at times, though, its themes can provide some insight into what kinds of candidates might be appealing to Democrats in future election cycles.

From Slate

Related Words

• adverse
• belligerent
• bitter
• contentious
• contrary
• hateful
• inhospitable
• inimical
• nasty
• opposed
• unfavorable
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic