The term 'hostile use' in relation to adverse possession refers to what?

The term 'hostile use' in the context of adverse possession is centered around the concept of using someone else's property without their permission. This does not imply that the usage must involve animosity or conflict between the possessor and the landowner. Rather, it means that the individual occupying the property does so openly and without consent from the true owner, which is a critical condition for claiming adverse possession.

To succeed in an adverse possession claim, the use of the land must meet specific criteria, including being continuous, exclusive, and open. The "hostility" aspect signifies that the possessor is treating the land as their own, which directly contradicts the rights of the original owner. This unauthorized use establishes a basis for claiming ownership of the property after a statutory period, depending on state law.

The other options do not align with the legal definition of 'hostile use.' For instance, 'use with permission' directly contradicts the idea of adverse possession, as it implies that the true owner has granted rights to the possessor. 'Use for commercial purposes' or 'use for agricultural purposes' speaks to the nature of the activities being conducted on the land rather than the permission status, which does not relate back to the concept of hostility in this