hostility

[hɑːˈstɪləti]

hostility Definition

• 1. unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behavior
• 2. a 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

• friendliness
• amity
• goodwill

Idioms Using hostility

• bear hostility towards someone

  to feel or express unfriendly or aggressive feelings towards someone

  Example

  He bore a deep-seated hostility towards his former business partner.

• meet hostility with hostility

  to respond to unfriendly or aggressive behavior with similar behavior

  Example

  The protesters met police hostility with hostility of their own.

• throw out the hostility

  to let go of unfriendly or aggressive feelings towards someone

  Example

  It's time to throw out the hostility and start working together.

Phrases with hostility

• open hostility

  overtly aggressive or unfriendly behavior

  Example

  The two countries were in a state of open hostility for many years.

• passive hostility

  indirect or subtle unfriendliness or aggression

  Example

  Her passive hostility towards her coworkers made it difficult to work with her.

• hostile takeover

  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'

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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.