Enemy

/ˈɛnəmi/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person or group that is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

During the war, they faced their enemy bravely on the battlefield.

A hostile nation or power.

The governments of the two countries regarded each other as enemies.

A thing that harms or opposes; a source of danger or conflict.

Pollution is the enemy of a healthy environment.

Middle English, from Old French 'enemi', from Latin 'inimicus', meaning 'hostile' or 'unfriendly'.

frenemy

A person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.

enemy territory

An area controlled by an enemy force.

make an enemy

To create hostility or opposition.

know your enemy

To understand the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent.

hostility

Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior.

rivalry

Competition for the same objective or superiority.

conflict

A serious disagreement or argument.

adversary

One's opponent in a contest or dispute.

Arch-nemesis

He's my arch-nemesis in this rivalry.

Hater

She's got so many haters on social media.