Legal Definitions - hostile

In a legal context, hostile describes something that is openly opposed, unfriendly, or characterized by antagonism or an intent to cause harm. It refers to a situation, environment, or action that is adverse, unwelcoming, or actively resistant.

• Example 1: Hostile Work Environment

  Imagine an employee who consistently endures severe and pervasive harassment, intimidation, or offensive remarks from colleagues or supervisors based on their gender or ethnicity. Despite reporting the issues, the behavior continues, making the workplace unbearable.

  This situation illustrates a hostile work environment because the ongoing, unwelcome conduct creates an adverse and intimidating atmosphere, demonstrating antagonism towards the employee and making it difficult for them to perform their job.

• Example 2: Hostile Witness

  During a court trial, a lawyer calls a witness to testify, expecting them to support their client's case. However, the witness becomes uncooperative, evasive, or actively provides testimony that contradicts the lawyer's arguments, appearing to favor the opposing side.

  This witness is deemed hostile because their demeanor and statements show antagonism or opposition to the party who called them, rather than being helpful or neutral as expected.

• Example 3: Hostile Takeover

  Consider a large corporation that attempts to acquire a smaller company by purchasing a controlling majority of its shares directly from shareholders, even though the smaller company's board of directors and management are strongly against the acquisition and actively trying to prevent it.

  This is referred to as a hostile takeover because the acquiring company is proceeding with the acquisition against the express wishes and opposition of the target company's leadership, demonstrating an adverse and unwelcome action.