hostile
pronunciation
How to pronounce hostile in British English:
UK [ˈhɒstaɪl]
How to pronounce hostile in American English:
US [ˈhɑːstl]
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- Adjective:
- characterized by enmity or ill will
- not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally
- very unfriendly
- impossible to bring into friendly accord
- very unfavorable to life or growth
- marked by features that oppose constructive treatment or development
- used of attempts to buy or take control of a business
Word Origin
- hostile (adj.)
- late 15c., from Middle French hostile "of or belonging to an enemy" or directly from Latin hostilis "of an enemy," from hostis "enemy" (see guest). The noun meaning "hostile person" is recorded from 1838, American English, a word from the Indian wars.
Synonym
Example
- 1. First mr papandreou had to confront a hostile cabinet .
- 2. Hordes of hostile neighbors were gathering outside his window .
- 3. Some of them once held high positions with access to important state secrets and were likely bribed by hostile parties .
- 4. All as a punishment for hostile military activity which may or may not even be in the vicinity of these civilians .
- 5. The most hostile grumbling has a personal edge .