hostile

C1 · Advanced Academic

adj. describing a place where it is very hard for plants, animals, or people to live.

adj. relating to an environment or conditions that are extremely difficult to survive in or inhabit.

“The desert is a hostile environment for most types of plants.”

“Exploration of the deep ocean floor is hampered by the hostile conditions, including extreme pressure and near-freezing temperatures.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

adj. describing a situation where one company tries to buy another company even though the owners do not want to sell.

adj. denoting a corporate acquisition attempted against the wishes of the target company's board of directors.

“The small tech firm fought off a hostile takeover bid from a much larger rival.”

“The board of directors implemented a 'poison pill' strategy to deter the hostile takeover attempt by the private equity group.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. a person who is an enemy, especially in a war.

n. an individual who belongs to an opposing military force or shows active aggression.

“The soldiers were warned that there were hostiles hiding in the nearby woods.”

“The reconnaissance drone identified several armed hostiles moving toward the perimeter of the base under the cover of darkness.”