Hostile
/ˈhɒstaɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or showing opposition or unfriendliness; aggressive.
/ˈhɒstaɪl/
Showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly.
The crowd was hostile towards the referee after the controversial call.
💡 Simply: Imagine a playground bully. They're *hostile* - they don't want to be friends, and they might try to push you around. It's like a grumpy cat, always hissing and showing claws. Like, 'Don't come near me!'
👶 For kids: Being mean or unfriendly, like when you don't want to share your toys.
More Examples
She gave me a hostile stare.
The company launched a hostile takeover bid.
How It's Used
"The local population was hostile to the invaders."
"His hostile attitude made it difficult to communicate."
"The two countries maintained a hostile relationship."
Of or relating to an enemy; characterized by open antagonism.
/ˈhɒstaɪl/
Relating to or characteristic of an enemy.
The soldiers were deployed in a hostile environment.
💡 Simply: Imagine a battlefield. Everything there is *hostile* - the enemies, the terrain, the conditions. It's dangerous, and it's meant to make things difficult for you.
👶 For kids: Like in a war when people are trying to fight each other.
More Examples
The board of directors rejected the hostile bid.
They navigated through hostile waters.
How It's Used
"The troops entered hostile territory."
"The company faced a hostile acquisition attempt."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
hostile takeover
The acquisition of a company (the target) by another (the acquirer) through a tender offer or proxy fight, often against the wishes of the target's management.
"The company attempted a hostile takeover of its competitor."
hostile witness
A witness in a trial whose testimony is adverse to the party who called them to testify. This witness can be cross-examined by the party that called them.
"The lawyer asked the judge to declare the witness hostile."
From French *hostile*, from Latin *hostilis* 'belonging to an enemy', from *hostis* 'enemy'.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to an enemy or belonging to an enemy, then expanding to include unfriendly or opposing.
Memory tip
Think of a *host* (enemy) who is *hostile* (unfriendly).
Practice
Word Origin
Root: hostis