definitions

hostile

[ hos-tl or, esp. British, -tahyl ]
/ ˈhɒs tl or, esp. British, -taɪl /
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adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy: a hostile nation.
opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic: hostile criticism.
characterized by antagonism.
not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.

noun

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

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RELATED WORDS

inimical, contentious, belligerent, unsympathetic, adverse, unfriendly, inhospitable, opposed, hateful, unfavorable, contrary, nasty, bitter, alien, opposite, catty, militant, sour, cold, chill

Nearby words

hostelling, hostelry, hostess, hostess gown, hostie, hostile, hostile fire, hostile sexism, hostile takeover, hostile witness, hostilely

Origin of hostile

1585–95; < Latin hostīlis, equivalent to hostis enemy (see host2) + -īlis -ile

SYNONYMS FOR hostile

1 warlike, aggressive.
2 adverse, averse, contrary. 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.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hostile ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

Can be confused

hostel hostile (see synonym study at the current entry)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hostile

British Dictionary definitions for hostile

hostile

/ (ˈhɒstaɪl) /

adjective

antagonistic; opposed
of or relating to an enemy
unfriendly

noun

a hostile person; enemy

Derived Forms

hostilely, adverb

Word Origin for hostile

C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012