hos·tile adj
1: having an intimidating, antagonistic, or offensive nature
a hostile work environment
2 a: of or relating to an opposing party in a legal action
a hostile claim
b: adverse to the interests of a party to a legal action
if the interests of the party joined involuntarily render him hostile to the original plaintiff, he must remain a defendant — J. H. Friedenthal et al.
3 a: adverse to or incompatible with the interests of a property owner
a hostile use see also adverse possession at possession; easement by prescription at easement, prescription 1
b: unwelcome by or contrary to the interests of corporate stockholders or management
a hostile takeover bid
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.