— hostilely , adv.
/hos"tl/ or, esp. Brit., /-tuyl/ , adj.
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an enemy: a hostile nation.
2. opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic: hostile criticism.
3. characterized by antagonism.
4. not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.
n.
5. a person or thing that is antagonistic or unfriendly.
6. Mil. an enemy soldier, plane, ship, etc.
[ 1585-95; hostilis, equiv. to hostis enemy (see HOST 2 ) + -ilis -ILE ]
Syn. 1. warlike, aggressive. 2. adverse, averse, contrary. HOSTILE, INIMICAL indicate that which characterizes an enemy or something injurious to one's interests. HOSTILE applies to the spirit, attitude, or action of an enemy: They showed a hostile and menacing attitude. INIMICAL applies to an antagonistic or injurious tendency or influence: Their remarks were inimical to his reputation.
Ant. 1, 2. friendly. 3. sympathetic.