# hostilities

/hɑˈstɪɫətiz/ (US) · /həstˈɪlɪtiz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hostilities
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. acts of war

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

fighting between two countries or groups during a war.

For teachers: acts of overt warfare or armed conflict between opposing military forces.

- The two countries agreed to end hostilities and begin peace talks.
- Hostilities broke out along the border despite months of diplomatic efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire.

Usage: Always used in the plural form when referring to military conflict.

Teaching tip: Learners should note that while 'hostility' (singular) refers to a feeling of hatred, 'hostilities' (plural) almost always refers to physical fighting in a war.

### 2. feelings of hatred

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

plural form of hostility; strong feelings of not liking someone or being unfriendly.

For teachers: the pluralized expression of deep-seated ill will, antagonism, or unfriendliness.

- It was hard to work in an office where personal hostilities were so common.
- The mediator spent hours addressing the long-standing hostilities between the two rival families before they could discuss the property dispute.

Usage: Used as the plural of the abstract noun 'hostility'.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word describes multiple instances or types of unfriendly feelings rather than physical combat.

## Examples

- The two countries finally ended their hostilities after years of fighting.
- The government called for an immediate end to hostilities to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected civilians.
- Although a formal treaty was never signed, the cessation of hostilities allowed for a fragile peace to take root along the disputed border for the first time in decades.

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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.