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View synonyms for hostile

hostile

[ hos-tl, -tahyl ]

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy:

    a hostile nation.

    Synonyms: aggressive, warlike

    Antonyms: friendly

  2. opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic:

    hostile criticism.

    Synonyms: contrary, averse, adverse

    Antonyms: friendly

  3. characterized by antagonism.

    Antonyms: sympathetic

  4. not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.


noun

  1. a person or thing that is antagonistic or unfriendly.
  2. Military. an enemy soldier, plane, ship, etc.

hostile

/ ˈhɒstaɪl /

adjective

  1. antagonistic; opposed
  2. of or relating to an enemy
  3. unfriendly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a hostile person; enemy
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈhostilely, adverb
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Other Words From

  • hos·tile·ly adverb
  • in·ter·hos·tile adjective
  • non·hos·tile adjective
  • non·hos·tile·ly adverb
  • o·ver·hos·tile adjective
  • o·ver·hos·tile·ly adverb
  • pre·hos·tile adjective
  • sem·i·hos·tile adjective
  • sem·i·hos·tile·ly adverb
  • un·hos·tile adjective
  • un·hos·tile·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hostile1

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin hostīlis, equivalent to hostis “enemy” ( host 2 ) + -īlis -ile
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hostile1

C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy
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Synonym Study

Hostile, inimical indicate that which characterizes an enemy or something injurious to one's interests. Hostile applies to the spirit, attitude, or action of an enemy: They showed a hostile and menacing attitude. Inimical applies to an antagonistic or injurious tendency or influence: Their remarks were inimical to his reputation.

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