hostile
adj. · n.-
1 unfriendly or aggressive (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateshowing that you do not like someone or that you want to fight with them.
manifesting or characterised by enmity, ill will, or a desire to oppose and injure.
ExampleThe crowd became hostile when the speaker refused to answer their questions.
ExampleThe witness faced a hostile cross-examination, with the lawyer repeatedly questioning her integrity and memory of the events.
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2 difficult environment (adj.) C1 Advanced Academicdescribing a place where it is very hard for plants, animals, or people to live.
relating to an environment or conditions that are extremely difficult to survive in or inhabit.
ExampleThe desert is a hostile environment for most types of plants.
ExampleExploration of the deep ocean floor is hampered by the hostile conditions, including extreme pressure and near-freezing temperatures.
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3 business takeover (adj.) C1 Advanced Technicaldescribing a situation where one company tries to buy another company even though the owners do not want to sell.
denoting a corporate acquisition attempted against the wishes of the target company's board of directors.
ExampleThe small tech firm fought off a hostile takeover bid from a much larger rival.
ExampleThe board of directors implemented a 'poison pill' strategy to deter the hostile takeover attempt by the private equity group.
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4 an enemy (n.) C1 Advanced Formala person who is an enemy, especially in a war.
an individual who belongs to an opposing military force or shows active aggression.
ExampleThe soldiers were warned that there were hostiles hiding in the nearby woods.
ExampleThe reconnaissance drone identified several armed hostiles moving toward the perimeter of the base under the cover of darkness.
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'hostiles' in military contexts.
Borrowed from Middle French hostile, from Latin hostīlis, from hostis (“enemy”). Displaced Old English fēondlīċ.