Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - hostile

1. If you are hostile to another person or an idea, you disagree with them or disapprove of them, often showing this in your behaviour. Many people felt he would be hostile to the idea of foreign intervention... The West has gradually relaxed its hostile attitude to this influential state... ADJ: oft ADJ to/towards n 2. Someone who is hostile is unfriendly and aggressive. Drinking may make a person feel relaxed and happy, or it may make her hostile, violent, or depressed... = aggressive ADJ 3. Hostile situations and conditions make it difficult for you to achieve something. If this round of talks fails, the world’s trading environment is likely to become increasingly hostile. ADJ 4. A hostile takeover bid is one that is opposed by the company that is being bid for. (BUSINESS) Kingfisher launched a hostile bid for Dixons. ADJ 5. In a war, you use hostile to describe your enemy’s forces, organizations, weapons, land, and activities. The city is encircled by a hostile army... = enemy ADJ: ADJ n HOSTILITIES You can refer to fighting between two countries or groups who are at war as hostilities. (FORMAL) The authorities have urged people to stock up on fuel in case hostilities break out. N-PLURAL