adjective / noun
hostile
HAH-stuhl/ˈhɑːstl/
Unfriendly or acting as an enemy.
The hostile neighbor glares from behind the fence with arms crossed.
Etymology
Hostis shifted from “stranger” or “foreigner” to “enemy.” Hostile reflects that enemy sense: it describes an attitude or action characteristic of an opponent, hence unfriendly or aggressive.
In context
workplace harassment also known as a hostile work environment well you're in luck i'm an employment lawyer
More examples
- She faces a hostile audience at the town meeting.
- He is openly hostile to any change in policy.
- The patrol spots two hostiles near the bridge.
Forms
hostile · hostiles · more hostile · most hostile
hostility noun — Unfriendly feelings or behavior toward others.
Similar words
- unfriendly
- Suggests a lack of warmth, not necessarily active opposition.
- antagonistic
- Emphasizes actively provoking conflict or working against someone.
- adversarial
- Describes opposing sides, often without implying personal ill will.