Origin: 1585–95; < Latinhostīlis, equivalent to hostis enemy (see host2) + -īlis-ile
Related forms
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
Can be confused: hostel, hostile (see synonym study at the current entry).
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.
late 15c., from M.Fr. hostile "of or belonging to an enemy," from L. hostilis, from hostis "enemy." The noun meaning "hostile person" is recorded from 1838, Amer.Eng., a word from the Indian Wars.