inimical

/ɪˈnɪməkəl/

Other forms: inimically

Censorship is inimical to freedom. So, most teenagers would argue, are curfews. To be inimical is to be harmful, antagonistic, or opposed to something.

Inimical comes from the Latin word inimicus, meaning "enemy." It suggests acting like someone's enemy — being adverse, damaging, or downright hostile. It can refer to anything from emotions and actions to public policy. The U.S. government might declare that another nation's actions are inimical to national security — and your mom might declare that eating a dozen doughnuts every morning is inimical to your health. Be careful not to mix up inimical with inimitable, which means too good to be copied.

Definitions of inimical

1. adjective

   (usually followed by 'to') causing harm or injury
   synonyms: damaging, detrimental, prejudicial, prejudicious

   harmful

   causing or capable of causing harm
2. adjective

   not friendly
   “an inimical critic”

   synonyms: unfriendly

   hostile

   characterized by enmity or ill will