ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hostile

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈhɑstəɫ// UK //hˈɒstaɪl// hos·tile

adj. showing that you are very unfriendly or do not like someone. You use this to describe people, places, or ideas that feel like an enemy.

adj. showing or feeling strong opposition or dislike; unfriendly. Often used to describe environments or conditions that are difficult for life or success to survive in.


SIMPLE

The crowd was very hostile toward the visiting team.

CONTEXTUAL

The company faced a hostile takeover bid from its largest competitor after the stock price dropped.

COMPLEX

The explorer struggled to survive in the hostile desert environment, where extreme temperatures and a lack of water made every mile a life-threatening challenge.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French hostile, from Latin hostīlis, from hostis (“enemy”). Displaced Old English fēondlīċ.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to' or 'towards'.

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