Definition

Noun 1. Hostile fire: Military or combat-related fire (from weapons such as guns, artillery, or missiles) that is directed with intent to injure or kill enemy personnel or destroy enemy assets. This term specifically denotes fire originating from an opposing, adversarial force during a state of conflict.

Usage Notes

• The term is primarily used in military, defense, and legal contexts (e.g., rules of engagement, reports of incidents, insurance clauses for war zones).
• It explicitly contrasts with terms like "friendly fire" (fire coming from one's own or allied forces) or "accidental discharge."
• It implies an active, intentional threat. The presence of "hostile fire" defines a combat situation.

Examples

• The patrol came under hostile fire shortly after crossing the river.
• Soldiers are trained to immediately seek cover when they encounter hostile fire.
• The insurance policy does not cover damages caused by hostile fire or acts of war.
• The unit returned fire after identifying the source of the hostile fire.

Advanced Usage

• To be in/under hostile fire: To be actively targeted by an enemy's weapons.
  • The medics showed great courage while operating under hostile fire.
• To draw/attract hostile fire: To cause the enemy to shoot at one's position.
  • The advancing tank drew hostile fire away from the infantry.

Variants and Related Words

• Hostile (adjective): Showing or feeling opposition or unfriendliness; belonging to a military enemy.
  • A hostile force; a hostile takeover.
• Fire (noun, in this context): The act of discharging weapons; the bullets or shells being discharged.
  • Cease fire!; The building was hit by mortar fire.
• Incoming fire: A common military synonym for hostile fire that is arriving at one's position.
• Enemy fire: A near-identical synonym for hostile fire.

Synonyms

• Enemy fire
• Incoming fire
• Opposing fire
• Adversarial fire

Antonyms

• Friendly fire
• Ceasefire

Noun

1. fire that injures or kills an enemy