"Felt hostility toward" refers to the experience of harboring strong negative emotions or antagonistic feelings towards someone or something. It describes a deeply-rooted sense of animosity, resentment, or ill-will that an individual experiences and acknowledges towards a particular entity, whether a person, group, idea, or situation.
This emotional state signifies a distinct perception of hostility that is consciously sensed and recognized, as opposed to a passive or unconscious dislike. When someone feels hostility toward another, they are actively aware of their negative emotions, which may include anger, hatred, resentment, or disdain. These emotions are often fueled by grievances, conflicts, disagreements, differences in values or beliefs, jealousy, or competitive nature.
When feeling this hostility, individuals tend to adopt a defensive or combative stance towards the object of their animosity. This may manifest through verbal or physical aggression, avoidance, or cold behavior. Hostility often arises from a perceived threat or violation of personal values, leading to a desire for retaliation, punishment, or harm.
It is important to note that feeling hostility toward someone or something does not automatically imply aggressive or harmful actions. People can experience these negative emotions without acting upon them, and acknowledgment of these feelings can allow for self-reflection, improved communication, and conflict resolution.
