foe

1 of 2

noun

ˈfō 

1

: one who has personal enmity for another

Embrace, embrace, my Sons! be foes no more!

—Alexander Pope

2

a

: an enemy in war

b

: adversary, opponent

a political foe

3

: one who opposes on principle

a foe of needless expenditures

a foe of censorship

4

: something prejudicial or injurious

FOE

2 of 2

abbreviation

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Synonyms

Noun

• adversary
• antagonist
• enemy
• hostile
• opponent

Examples of foe in a Sentence

Noun

Many considered him a foe of democracy.

Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The title is known for being a time-consuming game that requires hours of grinding to level up one's character to defeat foes. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

The mythology surrounding James himself likewise had many authors, all converging toward portraying him as a dashing foe of the bankers and railroad barons who had come to represent the inequities of America’s Gilded Age. —Joshua Hunt, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025

The Rams were 2-3 against postseason foes, also knocking off the Bills. —Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

At the other end of the court, Boise State is no slouch defensively, limiting foes to just 65.9 points, but will have its hands full trying to limit the Aggies. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fo, from Old English fāh, from fāh, adjective, hostile; akin to Old High German gifēh hostile

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foe

• mortal foe/rival

Kids Definition

foe

noun

ˈfō 

1

: one who hates another

2

: an enemy in war