hostis
[ˈhɔs.tɪs]
The Latin word for enemy is hostis.
The term hostis describes someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of or intends injury to someone else.
Meaning: someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of, or intends injury to someone else (noun)
Which one should you use?
While hostis often refers to a public or national enemy (like a foreign state), inimicus is used for a personal enemy or someone one has a private grudge against.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Classical Latin, the term adversarius was occasionally used to refer to an enemy, adversary or opponent.
How does it change in a sentence?
hostis is a third-declension noun. The form hostis is the nominative singular used for the subject. The genitive plural form is hostium, which means 'of the enemies'.
Did you know?
- The Latin word hostis shares the same root as the English word 'guest'.
- The word inimicus is formed by adding a negative prefix to the word for 'friend', effectively meaning 'not-friend'.
Examples in context
- Pirāta est hostis humāni generis.A pirate is an enemy to all mankind.This sentence uses hostis to describe a pirate as an enemy to all mankind.Tatoeba #7432556 by jimkillock, translation #7432558 by jimkillock
- Quis globus, o cives, caligine volvitur atra? Ferte citi ferrum, date tela, ascendite muros, hostis adest, heia!See what a ball of black dust, O citizens, advances towards us! Quickly bring the weapons, distribute the darts, run to the walls, hey, the enemy is coming!This sentence uses hostis to warn that the enemy is approaching.Tatoeba #11073326 by carlosalberto, translation #11073364 by carlosalberto
- Urbs nostra hostes et inimicos suos potentiā victōriae subiēcit.Our city has subdued its enemies and adversaries through the power of victory.
- Hostis in urbe est.The enemy is in the city.
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing a political rival.
- QuintusClaudia, videtne hostis nos?Claudia, does the enemy see us?
- ClaudiaNon credo, Quinte. Is longe est.I do not believe so, Quintus. He is far away.
- QuintusSed hostis est periculōsus.But the enemy is dangerous.
- ClaudiaIta, sed nos fortes sumus.Yes, but we are strong.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hostis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hostis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
