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

Other Word Forms

• hostilely adverb
• interhostile adjective
• nonhostile adjective
• nonhostilely adverb
• overhostile adjective
• overhostilely adverb
• prehostile adjective
• semihostile adjective
• semihostilely adverb
• unhostile adjective
• unhostilely 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

The author argues this rhetoric creates a hostile environment that encourages cruelty at all levels of government.

From Los Angeles Times

After the loss at Selhurst Park, the trip to Istanbul was arguably the last thing Liverpool needed, walking into this hostile, fanatical atmosphere that is a ready-built stage for sporting theatre.

From BBC

Trips to Australia are notoriously hostile for visiting England teams, often accompanied by intense scrutiny.

From BBC

A hostile crowd in New York had been anticipated and after a reasonably quiet opening day on Friday, the abuse began to fly on Saturday as Europe opened up a seven-point lead.

From BBC

"I hope when convictions are secured, it will be considered an aggravating factor that they were working for a hostile state and they'll get higher sentences," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

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