Hostile
Unfriendly or aggressive; showing opposition or ill will toward someone or something.
adjectiveHostile
Unfriendly or aggressive; showing opposition or ill will toward someone or something.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a town hall where a speaker faces a crowd that crosses arms, glares, and mutters under their breath—every gesture and glance feels hostile toward the speaker.
Sounds Like
HOST-tyl (rhymes with style)
Looks Like
Looks like 'host' + '-ile', but its meaning is unrelated to hosting; origin is Latin 'hostilis' meaning 'of an enemy'.
Remember This
The word 'hostile' traces to Latin hostilis meaning 'of an enemy,' not to the modern idea of hosting guests. It often appears in discussions of opposition, aggression, or danger.
Other Forms
Connect With
antagonistic, inimical, unfriendly, adversarial, belligerent
Note
Commonly used with prepositions 'to' or 'toward' (hostile to/toward someone). Do not confuse with 'hospitable,' which means friendly and welcoming. In business, a 'hostile takeover' means an unwanted, aggressive acquisition attempt.