Hostilities — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /hä-ˈsti-lə-tē/ hos·til·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Hostilities

Hostilities (noun)

  1. deep-seated usually mutual ill will
  2. hostile action
  3. overt acts of warfare, war

Hostilities (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

    "Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities."

    similar: conflagration, conflict, hot war, war
    related: civil war, cold war, holy war, limited war, police action, world war, action, battle, engagement, skirmish, combat, fighting, warfare
    opposite: peace
    near: demilitarization, demobilization, disarmament, pacification, cease-fire, truce, calm, peacefulness, tranquility

Related Entry: Hostility (noun)

Hostility is a different word from Hostilities. The synonyms below are for hostility, not for hostilities.

  1. a deep-seated ill will

    "a lingering hostility between the two neighbors ever since since they had that property-line dispute"

    similar: animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, jaundice, rancor
    related: blood feud, feud, score, vendetta, hate, hatred, loathing, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol, alienation, disaffection, estrangement, conflict, coolness, discord, friction, strain, tension, inhospitableness, unfriendliness, malice, malignancy, malignity, spite, spitefulness, venom
    opposite: amity
    near: amiability, amicability, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, neighborliness, comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

  2. a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

    "Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities."

    similar: conflagration, conflict, hot war, war
    related: civil war, cold war, holy war, limited war, police action, world war, action, battle, engagement, skirmish, combat, fighting, warfare
    opposite: peace
    near: demilitarization, demobilization, disarmament, pacification, ceasefire, truce, calm, peacefulness, tranquility

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hostilities

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hostilities:

conflagration, conflict, hot war, war

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hostilities

Words with the opposite meaning of Hostilities:

peace

Related Words for Hostilities

civil war, cold war, holy war, limited war, police action, world war, action, battle, engagement, skirmish, combat, fighting, warfare

Near Antonyms of Hostilities

demilitarization, demobilization, disarmament, pacification, cease-fire, truce, calm, peacefulness, tranquility

Origin & Etymology of Hostilities

Middle English hostilite, hostilitie, borrowed from Late Latin hostīlitāt-, hostīlitās, from Latin hostīlis "of an enemy, hostile" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Hostilities

What does "Hostilities" mean?

"Hostilities" means deep-seated usually mutual ill will. As a noun, it is defined as: deep-seated usually mutual ill will.

What is another word for "Hostilities"?

Other words for "Hostilities" include conflagration, conflict, hot war and war. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hostilities" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hostilities"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hostilities". Common alternatives include conflagration, conflict, hot war and war.

What is the opposite of "Hostilities"?

Antonyms of "Hostilities" include peace. Near antonyms include demilitarization, demobilization, disarmament and pacification.

How do you use "Hostilities" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hostilities" in a sentence: "Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities.".

Is "Hostilities" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hostilities" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Hostilities"?

"Hostilities" is pronounced /hä-ˈsti-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as hos·til·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Hostilities"?

"Hostilities" comes from Middle English hostilite, hostilitie, borrowed from Late Latin hostīlitāt-, hostīlitās, from Latin hostīlis "of an enemy, hostile" + -itāt-, -itās -ity. First known use: 15th century.