1. Plural of hostile; enemy combatants or opposing forces, especially in military or conflict contexts.
Usage: Often used in military or historical contexts.; Can refer to enemy soldiers, opposing groups, or hostile forces.
2. Native American peoples or groups perceived as hostile or in conflict with settlers or the U.S. government, especially in historical contexts.
Usage: Historical and potentially offensive term; reflects outdated colonial perspectives.; Commonly found in 19th-century historical accounts and Western narratives.

Examples

• The troops were ordered to advance toward the hostiles' position.
• During the Cold War, the two nations viewed each other as hostiles.
• The fort was built to defend against hostiles in the region.
• Military intelligence tracked the movement of hostiles across the border.
• The settlers feared attacks from hostiles in the frontier territories.
• Negotiations broke down, and the two sides became open hostiles.