Definition

Noun (plural): 1. Acts of war; armed conflict between nations or groups: Refers to the state or condition of being actively engaged in fighting, typically involving military forces. This is the primary meaning. 2. A state of enmity or antagonism that leads to fighting: Can describe the formal commencement or existence of a war or serious conflict.

Usage

The word "hostilities" is almost always used in its plural form. It is a formal term, common in political, military, and historical contexts to describe the active fighting phase of a conflict, as opposed to the periods of tension or ceasefire that may surround it. * It often follows verbs like begin, cease, resume, end, or break out. * It is commonly modified by adjectives like open, armed, full-scale, or renewed.

Examples

• The peace treaty aimed to bring an end to all hostilities.
• Hostilities broke out along the border at dawn.
• A fragile ceasefire was declared, but there are fears that hostilities could resume.
• The period of open hostilities lasted for three years.

Advanced Usage

• "The suspension of hostilities": A formal pause or temporary stop in fighting, often leading to ceasefire negotiations.
  • The UN called for an immediate suspension of hostilities to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
• "To be in a state of hostilities": To be formally engaged in war or active conflict.
  • The two nations have been in a state of hostilities for decades.

Variants and Related Words

• Hostile (adjective): Showing or feeling opposition or unfriendliness; belonging to a military enemy.
  • a hostile attitude; hostile territory.
• Hostility (noun, uncountable): Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior or feelings. (Note: This is the singular, often more abstract form).
  • He faced open hostility from the crowd.

Synonyms

• Warfare: The waging of war, military conflict.
• Combat: Active fighting between armed forces.
• Armed conflict: A contested incompatibility involving the use of armed force.
• Fighting: The act of engaging in a physical struggle.

Antonyms

• Peace: A state or period where there is no war or conflict.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
• Truce: An agreement between enemies to stop fighting for a certain time.
• Armistice: A formal agreement to stop fighting, often a prelude to peace.

Noun

1. fighting; acts of overt warfare
   • the outbreak of hostilities