Showing strong dislike or anger; unfriendly and ready to fight or oppose.
From Latin “hostilis,” meaning “of an enemy,” from “hostis,” meaning “stranger” or “enemy.” Over time it came to describe attitudes and environments, not just literal enemies.
Hostile comes from a word for “enemy,” so a hostile tone is more than just cold—it’s subtly warlike. We also talk about a “hostile environment” when a place feels like it’s fighting against you.
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