Dictionary
hostility
noun hos·til·i·ty \hä-ˈsti-lə-tē\
: an unfriendly or hostile state, attitude, or action
hostilities : acts of fighting in a war
plural hos·til·i·ties
Full Definition of HOSTILITY
1
2
: conflict, opposition, or resistance in thought or principle
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First Known Use of HOSTILITY
15th century
Related to HOSTILITY
Synonym Discussion of HOSTILITY
enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed <an unspoken enmity>. hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression <hostility between the two nations>. antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility <a natural antipathy for self-seekers> <antagonism between the brothers>. animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility <animosity that led to revenge>. rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong <rancor filled every line of his letters>. animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice <objections devoid of personal animus>.
Rhymes with HOSTILITY
HOSTILITIES Defined for Kids
hostility
noun hos·til·i·ty \hä-ˈsti-lə-tē\
plural hos·til·i·ties
Definition of HOSTILITY for Kids
1
: an unfriendly or hostile state, attitude, or action <They showed no hostility toward strangers.>
2
hostilities plural : acts of warfare
Medical Dictionary
hostility
noun hos·til·i·ty \hä-ˈstil-ət-ē\
plural hos·til·i·ties
Medical Definition of HOSTILITY
: conflict, opposition, or resistance in thought or principle
—hos·tile \ˈhäs-təl, -ˌtīl\ adjective
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