What exactly defines a "hostile work environment"?

A hostile work environment is considered to be any working environment that brings feelings of fear, tension, hostility or agitation to employees.

For instance, a worker who is being sexually harrassed by an employer may feel that their job is being threatened if they don't give in and allow the boss what they want.

Another example would be fearing hostile reactions of other employees because you do not have the same religious beliefs or work ethic as they do. A person feeling uncomfortable because they are being teased for having a better work ethic than others is working in a hostile work environment.

If you feel that your job is constantly threatened, or if you are being constantly teased or threatened, you work in a hostile work environment.

Just a few examples, but I hope it gives you a better idea of what it is...