Definition of hostility

The word "hostility" originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Latin word "hostis," which means "enemy" or "stranger." In Old French, the word was "ostel" or "osteliz," which meant "to be hostile" or "to enmity." The Latin "hostis" carried a broader meaning, encompassing both enemies and strangers. This dual meaning is reflected in the original sense of "hostility," which encompassed both open animosity and simple unfamiliarity. As the word was adapted into Middle English and Old French, its meaning began to shift, with "ostel" connoting "hostile intent" or "feeling of enmity." This sense of the word was later adopted into Middle English, where it was spelled "ostelite" or "ostilite." The Modern English word "hostility" emerged in the late 16th century as a borrowing from Middle French. Its original meaning was "feeling of enmity or anger towards a stranger" or "unfriendly behavior towards someone." In time, however, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass a broader range of negative feelings, including animosity, aggression, and antagonism. Today, "hostility" is generally understood as a strong feeling of dislike, aversion, or ill will towards another person, group, or idea. It may manifest itself in overtly hostile behavior, such as criticism, condemnation, or violence, or it may be more subtle, such as indifference or passive aggression. Regardless of the form it takes, however, hostility is generally considered to be a negative and destructive force in relationships between people, animals, or nations.