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

Moreover, like Trump himself, his nominees denigrate science and scientific expertise, subscribe to conspiracy theories, are eager to impose litmus tests in the arts and education, and seem hostile to the world beyond America’s borders.

From Salon

None of these categories reflect much of anything about a transgender person’s existence besides how they are perceived by others and the difficulties of navigating sometimes hostile spaces.

From Slate

Lizzo has won a key ruling in her ongoing legal battle with a stylist who claims she was subjected to racial and sexual harassment and a hostile work environment by members of the singer's management team while on tour in 2023, as well as unpaid over time.

From BBC

The Biden administration has been “very hostile toward crypto,” Mr. Trump said in September, as he was announcing World Liberty Financial, adding “my attitude is different.”

From New York Times

Yet a recent study in the journal Nature Astronomy strongly suggests Venus was always hostile to life.

From Salon

Related Words

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