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hostile

 - 3 dictionary results

hos⋅tile

  [hos-tl or, especially Brit., -tahyl]
Use hostile in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an enemy: a hostile nation.
2. opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic: hostile criticism.
3. characterized by antagonism.
4. not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.
–noun
5. a person or thing that is antagonistic or unfriendly.
6. Military. an enemy soldier, plane, ship, etc.
Origin:
1585–95; < L hostīlis, equiv. to hostis enemy (see host 2 ) + -īlis -ile

Related forms:
hos⋅tile⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. warlike, aggressive. 2. adverse, averse, contrary. 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.

Antonyms:
1, 2. friendly. 3. sympathetic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To hostile
hos·tile   (hŏs'təl, -tīl')   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy: hostile forces; hostile acts.

  2. Feeling or showing enmity or ill will; antagonistic: a hostile remark.

  3. Unfavorable to health or well-being; inhospitable or adverse: a hostile climate.

n.  

  1. An antagonistic person or thing.

  2. An enemy in warfare.


[Latin hostīlis, from hostis, enemy; see ghos-ti- in Indo-European roots.]
hos'tile·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: hos·tile
Function: adjective
1 : having an intimidating, antagonistic, or offensive nature hostile work environment>
2 a : of or relating to an opposing party in a legal action hostile claim> b : adverse to the interests of a party to a legal action hostile to the original plaintiff, he must remain a defendant —J. H. Friedenthal et al.>
3 a : adverse to or incompatible with the interests of a property owner hostile use> —see also adverse possession at POSSESSION easement by prescription at EASEMENT, PRESCRIPTION 1 b : unwelcome by or contrary to the interests of corporate stockholders or management hostile takeover bid>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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