hostile
[ hos-tl or, esp. British, -tahyl ]
/ ˈhɒs tl or, esp. British, -taɪl /
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.
QUIZZES
IT’S A WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ BONANZA!
This windfall of words will make you rich with knowledge. Mine your memory on the words from July 27 to August 2!
Question 1 of 7
What does "scattergood" mean?
a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.
a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.
a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTSYNONYMS FOR hostile
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM hostile
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hostile
hostel hostile (see synonym study at the current entry)Words nearby hostile
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences 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 of hostile
hostilely, adverbWord Origin for hostile
C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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