hostility

American  

[ho-stil-i-tee] / hɒˈstɪl ɪ ti /

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

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hostility British  

/ hɒˈstɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. enmity or antagonism

2. an act expressing enmity or opposition

3. (plural) fighting; warfare

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of hostility

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

Example Sentences

It protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

From Barron's

These new arrivals were greeted with hostility and fear that they would transform America and its culture beyond recognition.

From Salon

"A partnership would likely prove unstable given their open hostilities in the past," BMI said in an outlook note.

From Barron's

I think there is at least a potential for Mahan to tap into a desire among voters to lower the hostilities just a bit and ease up on our constant partisan war-footing.

From Los Angeles Times

Mikkonen hoped that the decision will be made months in advance of actual hostilities, ideally six months out.

From Barron's

Related Words

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