hostile

hos-tile · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly.

  2. 2.

    Of or relating to an enemy or enemies.

  3. 3.

    (Of conditions) Harsh or inhospitable.

  4. 4.

    (Business) Opposed by the company being bought.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hostile takeover — An acquisition of a company against its wishes
  • •
    hostile witness — A witness who testifies against the party that called them
  • •
    hostile environment — Conditions that are unsafe or unwelcoming
  • •
    hostile act — An aggressive or threatening action

Related words

Antonyms: amicable, friendly, hospitable, welcoming
See also: aggressive, enemy, hostility, unfriendly
Synonyms: aggressive, antagonistic, belligerent, unfriendly

Etymology

From Latin hostilis ("of or belonging to an enemy"), from hostis ("stranger, enemy"). Originally meant "of a stranger" before developing the sense of "enemy."