hostile Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun troops belonging to the enemy's military forces
    • the platoon ran into a pack of hostiles
  2. adjective characterized by enmity or ill will
    • a hostile nation
    • a hostile remark
    • hostile actions
  3. adjective not belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally
    • hostile naval and air forces
  4. adjective satellite impossible to bring into friendly accord
    • hostile factions
  5. adjective satellite very unfavorable to life or growth
    unfriendly; uncongenial.
    • a hostile climate
    • an uncongenial atmosphere
    • an uncongenial soil
    • the unfriendly environment at high altitudes
  6. adjective satellite unsolicited and resisted by the management of the target company ( used of attempts to buy or take control of a business)
    • hostile takeover
    • hostile tender offer
    • hostile bid

WordNet

Hos"tile adjective
Etymology
L. hostilis, from hostis enemy: cf. F. hostile. See Host an army.
Definitions
  1. 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; as, a hostile force; hostile intentions; a hostile country; hostile to a sudden change. Syn. -- Warlike; inimical; unfriendly; antagonistic; opposed; adverse; opposite; contrary; repugnant.
Hos"tile noun
Definitions
  1. An enemy; esp., an American Indian in arms against the whites; -- commonly in the plural. Colloq. P. H. Sheridan.

Webster 1913