hostile
[ hos-tl, -tahyl ]
/ ˈhɒs tl, -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.
OTHER WORDS FOR hostile
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Origin of hostile
synonym study for hostile
2. 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, hostileDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use hostile in a sentence
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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