hostile

Angry and unfriendly, sometimes showing a wish to hurt someone.

• The crowd was hostile.
• She gave me a hostile look.
• Why are they so hostile towards us?

How to use it: hostile towards someone (The neighbors were hostile towards the newcomers.)

Similar words: unfriendly, antagonistic, aggressive

Opposites: friendly

Common phrases: hostile crowd, hostile reception, hostile towards someone

Strongly against a person, idea, or plan.

• They are hostile to the plan.
• The board rejected a hostile takeover bid.
• Several members remained hostile to reform.

How to use it: hostile to someone/something (The council is hostile to the proposed changes.)

Similar words: opposed, antagonistic

Opposites: supportive

Common phrases: hostile to something, hostile opposition, hostile takeover

Very difficult or dangerous for people, animals, or plants to live in.

• Few plants survive in this hostile environment.
• They crossed a hostile desert.
• The climate was hostile to human life.

How to use it: hostile to something (The dry soil is hostile to most plants.)

Similar words: harsh, inhospitable

Opposites: hospitable

Common phrases: hostile environment, hostile climate, hostile conditions

Controlled by an enemy, especially during a war.

• The soldiers entered hostile territory.
• Their plane landed on hostile soil.
• The ship was crossing hostile waters.

Similar words: enemy

Opposites: friendly

Common phrases: hostile territory, hostile country, hostile waters

An enemy person or group, especially in military reports.

• Two hostiles were approaching.
• The patrol spotted a hostile near the bridge.
• No hostiles were detected in the area.

Similar words: enemy, adversary

Opposites: ally

Common phrases: armed hostile, approaching hostile, identify a hostile