C1adjectiveconflictpolitics
US/ˈhɑː.stəl/
UK/ˈhɒs.taɪl/
unfriendly and ready to argue or fight; also belonging to an enemy
In context
The minister faced a hostile crowd when he arrived at the factory.
Most local residents are hostile to the plan to build a casino.
The aid workers had to cross hostile territory to reach the village.
Words that go with hostile
adjective + preposition
- hostile toSome voters are hostile to any new taxes.
adjective + noun
- hostile takeoverThe small airline fought off a hostile takeover by its rival.
- hostile environmentBullying creates a hostile environment for everyone in the office.
- hostile reactionThe proposal got a hostile reaction from teachers' unions.
adverb + adjective
- openly hostileThe two neighbors were openly hostile to each other.
- increasingly hostileOnline debate about the issue has become increasingly hostile.