hostility
Americannoun
plural
hostilitiesnoun
-
enmity or antagonism
-
an act expressing enmity or opposition
-
(plural) fighting; warfare
Other Word Forms
- nonhostility noun
- overhostility noun
- prehostility noun
- semihostility noun
Etymology
Origin of hostility
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English hostilite, from Latin hostīlitās, from hostīl(is) ( hostile ) + -itās -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But East Lothian Council's decision to install parking meters has been met with an "unprecedented" level of hostility.
From BBC
"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability."
From BBC
The European Union called for "immediate de-escalation and a halt of hostilities", adding in a statement by policy chief Kaja Kallas that "Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries".
From Barron's
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross called on Friday for a de-escalation of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, insisting that civilians must be protected and healthcare access guaranteed.
From Barron's
A number of other countries including China, India and Canada have told their citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible due to the prospect of hostilities.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
