enemy

en-e-my · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

  2. 2.

    A hostile nation or its armed forces, especially in wartime.

  3. 3.

    Something that harms or threatens something else.

Forms

plural: enemies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    public enemy — a notorious criminal or someone considered harmful to society
  • •
    enemy of the state — someone considered dangerous to a nation
  • •
    the enemy of my enemy is my friend — shared opposition creates alliances
  • •
    be your own worst enemy — act in ways that harm oneself

Related words

Antonyms: ally, friend, supporter
See also: enemies, hostile, opponent
Synonyms: adversary, foe, opponent, rival

Etymology

From Old French enemi, from Latin inimicus ("unfriendly, hostile"), formed from in- ("not") + amicus ("friend"). The word reflects the Latin idea of an "unfriend."