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Definition of hostility

hostility

/hɑːˈstɪl.ə.ti/
hos · til · i · ty
Adverb:hostilely
•
Plural:hostilities
•
Adjective:hostile
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hostility Lexical Profile

hostility Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Hostile behavior, deep-seated unfriendliness, or active opposition toward a person, group, or idea.

Example

"The new policy was met with open hostility by several members of the committee."

2

Overt acts of warfare or armed conflict between nations or factions (usually used in the plural).

Example

"Diplomatic negotiations resumed immediately after the formal cessation of hostilities."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hostility
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hostility

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'hostility' as an uncountable noun refers to an attitude of unfriendliness or opposition, the plural form 'hostilities' specifically denotes acts of open warfare or military combat.

• Rhymes for hostility

• Nearby Words

hostile
hostilely
hostilities
hostility
hosting
hot
hot dog

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin 'hostilitas', from Latin 'hostilis' (inimical, of an enemy), derived from 'hostis' (stranger, enemy), which shares the same Proto-Indo-European root '*ghos-ti-' as 'guest' and 'hospitality'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hostility. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hostility
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