hostile

UK: /ˈhɒstaɪl/ US: /ˈhɑstəl/ ,(hos′tl or, esp. Brit., -tīl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

hos•tile /ˈhɑstəl/   adj. 

1. of or relating to an enemy:
   The army encountered hostile forces.
2. disagreeing or disapproving;
   antagonistic:
   He faced hostile criticism.
3. not friendly or hospitable:
   She was hostile to the teacher.

hos•tile•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

hos•tile  (hos′tl or, esp. Brit., -tīl), adj. 

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an enemy:
   a hostile nation.
2. opposed in feeling, action, or character;
   antagonistic:
   hostile criticism.
3. characterized by antagonism.
4. not friendly, warm, or generous;
   not hospitable.

n. 

5. a person or thing that is antagonistic or unfriendly.
6. Military an enemy soldier, plane, ship, etc.

• Latin hostīlis, equivalent. to hostis enemy (see host²) + -īlis -ile
• 1585–95

hos′tile•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. warlike, aggressive.
• 2. adverse, averse, contrary.
  Hostile, inimical indicate that which characterizes an enemy or something injurious to one's interests.
  Hostile applies to the spirit, attitude, or action of an enemy:
  They showed a hostile and menacing attitude.
  Inimical applies to an antagonistic or injurious tendency or influence:
  Their remarks were inimical to his reputation.

Antonyms

• 1, 2. friendly.
• 3. sympathetic.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hostile / ˈhɒstaɪl/ adjective

1. antagonistic; opposed
2. of or relating to an enemy
3. unfriendly

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy

ˈhostilely adverb