# hostile

/ˈhɑstəɫ/ (US) · /hˈɒstaɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hostile
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unfriendly or aggressive

adjective · CEFR B2

showing that you do not like someone or that you want to fight with them.

For teachers: manifesting or characterised by enmity, ill will, or a desire to oppose and injure.

- The crowd became hostile when the speaker refused to answer their questions.
- The witness faced a hostile cross-examination, with the lawyer repeatedly questioning her integrity and memory of the events.

### 2. difficult environment

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. business takeover

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. an enemy

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'hostiles' in military contexts.

## Examples

- The crowd was very hostile toward the visiting team.
- The company faced a hostile takeover bid from its largest competitor after the stock price dropped.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.