hostile

Pluralhostiles

1. 1
   adjective

   Not friendly. Acting like an enemy and wanting to hurt or stop someone.

   Like a neighbor who frowns and turns away every time you say hello.

   Some of the other kids were hostile to the new student at first.

   Our neighbor became hostile after we complained about the noise.

   Similarunfriendly, inimical

   Oppositefriendly, amicable, cordial, warm

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Angry and ready to fight, attack, or argue with someone.

   The fans got hostile when their team lost the game.

   Don't be hostile. I just asked a simple question.

   Similaraggressive, belligerent, antagonistic, combative, confrontational

   Oppositefriendly, peaceful, conciliatory

3. 3
   adjective

   Trying to buy or take control of a company when its leaders do not agree.

   The company's leaders tried to stop the hostile takeover, but they failed.

   News of the hostile offer made the company's stock price jump.

   Oppositefriendly

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountableplural

   An enemy: someone fighting against you or your side.

   The pilot called out over the radio: one hostile, flying low near the coast.

   The police cleared the building after reports of armed hostiles inside.

   Similarenemy, foe

   Oppositeally, friendly

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Not willing to do something or to accept an idea or plan.

   My boss was hostile to the idea of working from home.

   Grandpa is hostile to trying any food he has not eaten before.

   Similaropposed, averse, resistant, unsympathetic, antagonistic

   Oppositereceptive, sympathetic, favorable, amenable

Showing meanings only. Show all 5