Hostile Meaning
Hostile Definition & Usage
Unfriendly or antagonistic in nature, displaying opposition or animosity.
Examples
- "The hostile environment made it difficult for any plants to survive."
- "The negotiations broke down because of the hostile attitude from the other party."
- "She was met with a hostile reception when she arrived at the office."
- "His hostile tone made it clear that he wasn't willing to cooperate."
- "There was a hostile undercurrent in their conversation, though no one said anything overtly rude."
Related to or characteristic of open conflict, such as war or military engagement.
Examples
- "The hostile forces launched an attack at dawn."
- "They crossed into hostile territory and immediately encountered resistance."
- "The region has been a hotspot for hostile military operations."
- "The ship entered hostile waters, prompting an immediate defensive response."
- "The two countries have had hostile relations for decades."
Aggressive or territorial behavior, often observed in animals or wildlife.
Examples
- "The dog became hostile when it felt its territory was threatened."
- "Some species of birds are hostile to intruders, aggressively defending their nests."
- "The territorial behavior of the wolves was marked by hostile interactions with other packs."
- "A hostile lion chased away any potential competitors from its territory."
- "The hostile stance of the cobra warned the onlookers to stay back."
Cultural Context
The word 'hostile' derives from the Latin word 'hostilis', meaning 'of an enemy', which was later used to describe unfriendly or antagonistic actions. In modern usage, it can refer to a variety of scenarios, ranging from interpersonal conflicts to military actions. It is also commonly used in diplomatic language to describe relations between countries.
The Hostile Encounter
Story
The Hostile Encounter
The day was dreary, clouds hanging heavy above the town like a warning. Sam had always known there was something off about the place, but it was only when he stepped foot into the abandoned factory that the hostile atmosphere became undeniable. The walls were covered in old graffiti, but it wasn't the art that caught his attention; it was the energy. A sense of aggression lingered in the air, as if the place itself had been the site of many bitter battles. As he ventured deeper into the ruins, a faint sound echoed through the empty hallways. It was a low growl. Sam froze. He had heard stories of wild dogs roaming the factory grounds, but this was different. The hostility in the sound wasn’t just from an animal trying to defend its territory; it was the kind of hostility that came from a deep, instinctive anger. Before he could react, a shadow darted past him. A feral dog, eyes gleaming with hostility, lunged toward him. Sam barely managed to dodge, his heart pounding in his chest. By the time he reached the exit, he could hear the soft hum of a vehicle engine outside. His colleague, Jake, had arrived with the team to secure the area. As they prepared to leave, Jake mentioned how the region had become increasingly hostile in recent months due to a rise in local gang activity. The word 'hostile' took on a new meaning that day for Sam—one that transcended animal aggression and seeped into the very environment around him. Later, as they drove away, Sam couldn't help but reflect on how the hostility of the factory had been only a small glimpse into the larger, growing tensions that had been spreading across the entire region.
Related Words
