What type of communication is referred to when someone expresses hostility?

When someone expresses hostility, the communication style being referred to is aggressive communication. This type of communication involves openly expressing feelings and opinions in a way that can violate the rights of others. Aggressive communicators often use a tone that can intimidate, threaten, or belittle others, focusing on winning an argument or asserting dominance rather than fostering a constructive dialogue.

Aggressive communication can manifest through verbal attacks, hostile body language, and dismissive behavior. It often creates an environment of fear or resentment, making productive conversation difficult. In contrast, other communication styles such as assertive, passive, or passive-aggressive each have distinct characteristics that do not embody open hostility. Assertiveness promotes clear and respectful expression of needs, passiveness involves yielding and avoiding conflict, and passive-aggressive behavior includes indirect resistance and avoidance of direct confrontation.