hostile

[ hos-tl or, esp. British, -tahyl ]
/ ˈhɒs tl or, esp. British, -taɪl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR hostile ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Origin of hostile

1585–95; < Latin hostīlis, equivalent to hostis enemy (see host2) + -īlis -ile

SYNONYMS FOR hostile

1 warlike, aggressive.
2 adverse, averse, contrary. 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.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR hostile ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM hostile

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hostile

hostel hostile (see synonym study at the current entry)

Words nearby hostile

hostelling, hostelry, hostess, hostess gown, hostie, hostile, hostile fire, hostile sexism, hostile takeover, hostile witness, hostility

Words related to hostile

inimical, contentious, belligerent, unsympathetic, adverse, unfriendly, inhospitable, opposed, hateful, unfavorable, contrary, nasty, bitter, alien, opposite, catty, militant, sour, cold, chill

Example sentences from the Web for hostile

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, adverb

Word Origin for hostile

C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy