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hostility
/hɒˈstɪləti/
strong unfriendliness or opposition
The hostility between the two rival gangs escalated into violent clashes.
The deep-seated unfriendliness between the groups led to physical confrontations.
formal
Unfriendly or aggressive behavior or feelings toward someone or something.
The treaty aimed to reduce hostilities between the warring nations.
The agreement sought to decrease aggressive actions between the conflicting countries.
Her hostility toward the new policy was evident in her sharp criticism.
She openly opposed the new policy with visible anger and disapproval.
Hostility can be expressed physically, verbally, or through actions. It often implies a deliberate intent to harm or oppose.
Law
formal
Acts of warfare or armed conflict.
The ceasefire agreement called for an immediate end to all hostilities.
The truce required all armed engagements to cease immediately.
In legal or military contexts, 'hostilities' refers to active warfare or combat operations.
Collocations
open hostilityclear and obvious unfriendlinessreduce hostilitiesdecrease aggressive actions or conflictescalate hostilitiesincrease aggressive actions or conflict
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish hostility from related terms
Hostility implies active opposition or aggression, while 'unfriendliness' is milder. 'Enmity' suggests a long-standing mutual hatred, and 'antagonism' often involves active resistance or opposition.
Gold Rule
Avoid overusing hostility
Since hostility conveys strong negative feelings, reserve it for situations where there is clear evidence of aggression, opposition, or unfriendliness. Overuse can dilute its impact.
Word Origin
From Old French *hostilité* (modern French *hostilité*), derived from Latin *hostilitas*, meaning 'enmity' or 'unfriendliness', from *hostis* ('enemy').
Usage Notes
Hostility is a strong term often used to describe deep-seated negative feelings or actions. It is more intense than 'unfriendliness' and implies active opposition or aggression. In legal or military contexts, 'hostilities' refers to active warfare.
Word Breakdown
host-
enemy or stranger (Latin root)
root-ility
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary