Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Characterized by enmity or ill will: Showing or feeling opposition, aggression, or unfriendliness.
   • Not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally: Belonging to a military enemy.
   • Very unfavorable to life or growth: Providing difficult or harsh conditions.
   • Unsolicited and resisted by the management of the target company: Used to describe an unwelcome attempt to take control of a business.

2. Noun:

   • Troops belonging to the enemy's military forces: An enemy soldier or combatant.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • She gave him a hostile glare. (This shows she looked at him with anger or unfriendliness.)
  • The two nations have been in a hostile state for decades. (This describes a relationship of enmity between countries.)
  • The desert is a hostile environment for most plants. (This describes an environment that is harsh and unfavorable.)
  • The company faced a hostile takeover bid. (This describes an unwanted attempt to buy the company.)

• Noun:

  • The soldiers were ordered to watch for hostiles. (This refers to enemy troops.)

Advanced Usage

• "In hostile territory": In an area controlled by enemy forces.

  • The reconnaissance team was operating deep in hostile territory.

• "Hostile witness" (Legal term): A witness in a trial who is antagonistic toward the party who called them to testify.

  • The prosecutor was surprised when his own witness turned hostile.

Variants and Related Words

• Hostility (noun): A state of enmity or antagonism; hostile behavior.

  • There was open hostility between the two rival groups.

• Hostilely (adverb): In a hostile manner.

  • He reacted hostilely to the suggestion.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Antagonistic, unfriendly, aggressive, belligerent, inhospitable.
• Noun: Enemy, foe, adversary.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Friendly, amicable, hospitable, favorable, welcoming.

Related Phrases

• "Hostile work environment" (Legal/HR term): A workplace where harassment, discrimination, or intimidating behavior creates an offensive atmosphere.

  • She filed a complaint alleging a hostile work environment.

• "Meet with hostility": To be received with antagonism or opposition.

  • The new policy met with hostility from the staff.

Adjective

1. unsolicited and resisted by the management of the target company ( used of attempts to buy or take control of a business)
   • hostile takeover
   • hostile tender offer
   • hostile bid
2. very unfavorable to life or growth
   • a hostile climate
   • an uncongenial atmosphere
   • an uncongenial soil
   • the unfriendly environment at high altitudes
3. impossible to bring into friendly accord
   • hostile factions
4. not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally
   • hostile naval and air forces
5. characterized by enmity or ill will
   • a hostile nation
   • a hostile remark
   • hostile actions

Noun

1. troops belonging to the enemy's military forces
   • the platoon ran into a pack of hostiles