hostility Definition
- 1unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior
- 2a state of opposition or resistance between individuals, groups, or nations
Using hostility: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hostility" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The hostility between the two rival gangs led to several violent clashes.
Example
The company faced hostility from local residents over its plans to build a new factory.
Example
The politician's speech was met with hostility from the audience.
Example
The teacher's hostility towards the student was unwarranted.
hostility Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hostility
- animosity
- antagonism
- enmity
- hatred
- ill will
Antonyms for hostility
Idioms Using hostility
Example
He bore a deep-seated hostility towards his former business partner.
Example
The protesters met police hostility with hostility of their own.
Example
It's time to throw out the hostility and start working together.
Phrases with hostility
Example
The two countries were in a state of open hostility for many years.
Example
Her passive hostility towards her coworkers made it difficult to work with her.
the acquisition of a company by another company through aggressive means, often against the wishes of the target company's management
Example
The company's board of directors rejected the hostile takeover bid.
Origins of hostility
from Latin 'hostilitas', meaning 'enmity'
Summary: hostility in Brief
The term 'hostility' [hɑːˈstɪləti] refers to unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior, as well as a state of opposition or resistance. It can be seen in conflicts between individuals, groups, or nations, exemplified by 'The hostility between the two rival gangs led to several violent clashes.' 'Hostility' extends into phrases like 'open hostility,' and idioms like 'meet hostility with hostility,' denoting a response to unfriendly behavior, and 'throw out the hostility,' implying a need to let go of negative feelings.