hostility

[ho-stil-i-tee]

noun

plural

hostilities 

1. a hostile state, condition, or attitude; enmity; antagonism; unfriendliness.

   Synonyms: hatred, ill will, animus, animosity
   Antonyms: friendliness

2. a hostile act.

3. opposition or resistance to an idea, plan, project, etc.

4. hostilities,

   1. acts of warfare.

   2. war.

   Synonyms: conflict, fighting
   Antonyms: peace

hostility

/ hɒˈstɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. enmity or antagonism

2. an act expressing enmity or opposition

3. (plural) fighting; warfare

Other Word Forms

• nonhostility noun
• overhostility noun
• prehostility noun
• semihostility noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hostility¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English hostilite, from Latin hostīlitās, from hostīl(is) ( hostile ) + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Europe had plans to deal with the hostility of the crowds.

From BBC

Instead of hostility, they could only hear the sound of European fans sweetly serenading them.

From BBC

Labour, Lib Dem and Green voters tend to think they signal hostility to immigrants; while right of centre voters believe they are signs of frustration with immigration.

From BBC

"If we can get ahead and stay ahead, you'll probably find the American hostility could be directed at their own players."

From BBC

Despite Delhi's cultivated warmth with Riyadh, the pact lands amid heightened hostility with Pakistan, including a four-day conflict earlier this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggression 
• animosity 
• antagonism 
• antipathy 
• bitterness 
• enmity 
• estrangement 
• hatred 
• ill will 
• opposition 
• rancor 
• resentment 
• war