Legal Definitions - hostile act

Definition: A hostile act is an action that is intended to harm or cause damage to someone or something. It can be physical, verbal, or even nonverbal.

Example: If someone throws a rock at your car, that is a hostile act. If someone yells insults at you, that is also a hostile act. Even if someone gives you a dirty look, that can be considered a hostile act.

The examples illustrate the definition by showing that a hostile act can take many different forms. It can be something as obvious as physical violence, or something more subtle like a rude gesture. Regardless of the form it takes, a hostile act is always intended to cause harm or damage.