S M's List: Individual Technical Definition

A work or learning environment is "hostile" when unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior of a prohibited nature is severe and pervasive enough to unreasonably interfere with an employee's work or a student's learning, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment to a "reasonable person."

Brief and Straightforward Guide: What is a Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment is caused by workplace harassment. Learn more about a hostile work environment and laws that make it illegal.

An article by Aaron Morris dicussing a hostile environment.

A "Hostile Work Environment" is frequently caused by a supervisor treating an employee unfairly, yelling, micro-managing, and publicly humiliating the employee. But all of that can be legal. One more key fact is needed to create an illegal hostile work environment.