enemy

noun

en·​e·​my ˈe-nə-mē 

plural enemies

1

: one that is antagonistic to another

especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent

2

: something harmful or deadly

alcohol was his greatest enemy

3

a

: a military adversary

b

: a hostile unit or force

Synonyms

• adversary
• antagonist
• foe
• hostile
• opponent

Examples of enemy in a Sentence

He made a lot of enemies during the course of his career.

Tradition is the enemy of progress.

Recent Examples on the Web

The scarcity of essentials means players have to weigh up the risk and reward of every engagement with an enemy. —Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Those test-driving the plane will be provided with a mixed-reality headset allowing a 360-degree view flying in-formation while trying to defeat an enemy target. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024

Robby ends up spending the night with Zara, who seems intent on personally screwing with Tory, either out of some Kreese-esque attempt to get under her enemy’s skin or some pathological need to be the prettiest and most popular girl in the room. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024

Excess is the enemy; keep your life and plans simple and affordable. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enmy, enemi, borrowed from Anglo-French enemi, going back to Latin inimīcus, noun derivative of inimīcus, adjective, "of an opponent, unfriendly, hostile," from in- in- entry 1 + amīcus "friendly, well-disposed, loving" — more at amiable

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing enemy

• behind enemy lines
• enemy territory
• mortal enemy
• public enemy number one

Kids Definition

enemy

noun

en·​e·​my ˈen-ə-mē 

plural enemies

1

: one that tries to hurt or overthrow or that seeks the failure of another

2

: something that harms

3

a

: a nation with which a country is at war

b

: a military force or a person belonging to such a nation

Etymology

Middle English enemi "enemy," from early French enemi (same meaning), from Latin inimicus (same meaning), from in- "not" and amicus "friend"