Hostile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hostile
[หhษstaษชl ]
Definition
feeling or showing unfriendliness or antagonism
Characterized by enmity or ill will; unfriendly; antagonistic. Hostile nations. Not hospitable; not friendly or generous by nature; unsympathetic. A hostile critic. Belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly. A hostile force. Unfavorable to health; not salubrious; as, a hostile climate. Opposed; contrary; as, a hostile address.
Synonyms
adversarial, aggressive, antagonistic, combative, unfriendly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hostile |
Use when describing a situation or person that is openly unfriendly and likely to cause conflict.
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| antagonistic |
Suitable for describing a person or situation that is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
|
| unfriendly |
Use for describing someone or something that lacks friendliness or warmth, but not necessarily aggressive.
|
| adversarial |
Best used in contexts involving a competitive or oppositional relationship, often in formal or professional settings.
|
| aggressive |
Used to describe behavior or attitudes that are forceful, and often intended to dominate or confront.
|
| combative |
Often describes a person who is eager to fight or argue, and is ready for conflict.
|
Examples of usage
- His hostile attitude made it difficult to have a productive conversation.
- The two countries have a long history of hostile relations.
- She gave me a hostile look as I entered the room.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'hostilis', which means 'of an enemy'.
- In ancient Rome, being hostile often referred to acts of war or aggression against other tribes.
- Historically, the term has been used to describe relationships between nations or groups in conflict.
Psychology
- Hostility can be a response to fear or a need to protect oneself from perceived threats.
- Research shows that hostility can impact health, increasing risks of stress-related illnesses.
- People who are consistently hostile may have underlying issues such as past traumas or low self-esteem.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in movies to describe villains or antagonists who are aggressive towards heroes.
- In music, several songs address themes of hostility in relationships, highlighting emotional struggles.
- Video games frequently portray 'hostile' characters as adversaries that players must overcome.
Literature
- In literature, characters who are hostile often provide conflict, driving the plot forward.
- Many classic novels explore themes of hostility in society, such as in '1984' by George Orwell.
- Dramatic works often depict hostile interactions to showcase tension between characters.
Sociology
- Studies show that hostile environments can lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety in communities.
- Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings that are perceived as hostility in cross-cultural interactions.
- Hostility can impact group dynamics, leading to a breakdown of communication and collaboration.
Origin of 'hostile'
The word 'hostile' originated from the Latin word 'hostilis', meaning 'of an enemy', which is derived from 'hostis' meaning 'enemy'. The concept of hostility has been present throughout human history, often used to describe situations of conflict, aggression, or opposition. In modern usage, 'hostile' is commonly used to describe a negative or unfriendly attitude or environment.