A hostile work environment is created by a boss or coworker whose actions, communication or behavior make doing your job impossible. 1  This means that the behavior altered the terms, conditions, and/or reasonable expectations of a comfortable work environment for employees.
11. to exercise dominating power, authority, or influence over; govern: to rule a kingdom. 12. to decide or declare judicially or authoritatively; decree. 13. to mark with lines, esp. parallel straight lines, with the aid of a ruler or the like: to rule paper. 14. to mark out or form (a line) by this method.
1. a rule or principle for action. 2. a guide or rule for morals; maxim. 3. a direction, esp for a technical operation. 4. (Law) law. a. a writ or warrant. b. a written order to a sheriff to arrange an election, the empanelling of a jury, etc.