hostile encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is aggression or conflict between parties, often in a confrontational context. Example: "The negotiations broke down after a hostile encounter between the two leaders, leading to increased tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Don't believe everything you've heard about me," Megan tells a homicide detective after their first, quite hostile encounter.

The New York Times - Arts

"I haven't had a hostile encounter in a long time, though I can never rule that out.

The Guardian

Like "Cold Mountain," a lot of "Thirteen Moons" is episodic, a string of adventure stories — about hunting or fighting or other kinds of hostile encounter.

The New Yorker

It began with the first hostile encounter between the hemispheres on Jan . 12 , 1493when an army of Indians showered Columbus's ship with bone-tipped arrows.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. True's last notes described a hostile encounter with a Huichol named Juan who threatened to arrest him for taking pictures.

The New York Times

In another, he asked, "Have you ever felt bad about yourself and then projected that on someone else?" Before describing a hostile encounter on Father's Day, he said he was feeling paranoid and crazy, playing into rumors about him.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mr. Li, after hostile encounters with local officials, moved to the United States.

The New York Times

Tense and even hostile encounters were frequent and must have further distorted the mutual views of those involved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In spite of storms, accidents and some hostile encounters with natives, the first half of "Stowaway" moves slowly.

The New York Times - Books

According to one story, during the initial hostile encounters between the Indians and the Spaniards, the Indians' naguals fought on their side against the invaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

LGBT travellers can struggle to be sure the holiday they are booking won't lead to awkward, or even hostile encounters.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "hostile encounter", provide specific details about the nature of the hostility, the parties involved, and the context in which it occurred to create a clearer and more impactful narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile encounter" as a generic term for any disagreement. Ensure that the situation genuinely involves a high degree of antagonism and potential conflict, rather than a simple difference of opinion or misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile encounter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific type of event characterized by aggression and conflict, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile encounter" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a confrontational or aggressive interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, wiki, and science, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it regularly. When using "hostile encounter", ensure that the context involves genuine antagonism, and consider providing specific details about the interaction to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "aggressive confrontation" or "antagonistic clash" can be used to vary your language while maintaining semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive confrontation

Replaces "encounter" with "confrontation", emphasizing the directness and intensity of the interaction.

aggressive incident

Substitutes 'encounter' with 'incident' and 'hostile' with 'aggressive', highlighting the aggressive nature of the event.

antagonistic clash

Substitutes both "hostile" and "encounter" to highlight the opposing and conflicting nature of the interaction.

heated altercation

Focuses on a noisy argument or disagreement, suggesting a breakdown in civil communication.

belligerent confrontation

Replaces 'hostile' with 'belligerent', conveying a readiness or eagerness to fight or argue.

violent confrontation

Replaces 'hostile' with 'violent', stressing the potential for physical harm or aggression.

contentious meeting

Emphasizes the disagreement and likelihood of argument during the meeting.

heated dispute

Focuses on the intensity and emotional nature of the disagreement, rather than the encounter itself.

unfriendly exchange

Uses more mild language to describe the interaction, softening the intensity of "hostile encounter".

unpleasant confrontation

Replaces 'hostile' with 'unpleasant', downplaying the severity of the situation.

FAQs

What does "hostile encounter" mean?

A "hostile encounter" describes a situation where individuals or groups meet in an antagonistic or aggressive manner, often involving conflict or the potential for violence.

What are some synonyms for "hostile encounter"?

Alternatives include "aggressive confrontation", "antagonistic clash", or "violent confrontation", depending on the specific context and intensity.

How can I use "hostile encounter" in a sentence?

Example: "The diplomat's attempt at negotiation resulted in a "hostile encounter" with the opposing delegation, leading to a breakdown in talks."

Is "hostile encounter" a formal or informal term?

"Hostile encounter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although the specific situation and audience should be considered when choosing the most appropriate language.