Hostilities

/hɑːˈstɪlɪtiz/ noun

Definition

Acts of war or conflict between opposing groups; unfriendly or aggressive behavior toward someone.

Etymology

From Latin 'hostilitas,' derived from 'hostilis' (hostile), which comes from 'hostis' (enemy or stranger). The meaning has consistently referred to enmity and aggressive actions.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, 'hostis' in Latin originally meant 'stranger' or 'foreigner'—so the word 'hostile' literally preserves the ancient idea that outsiders were considered threatening!

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