nemesis

nem·e·sis

noun \ˈne-mə-səs\

Definition of NEMESIS

1

capitalized : the Greek goddess of retributive justice

2

plural nem·e·ses \-ˌsēz\ a : one that inflicts retribution or vengeance b : a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent

3

plural nem·e·ses a : an act or effect of retribution b : bane 2

Examples of NEMESIS

1. He will be playing his old nemesis for the championship.
2. <Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots.>
3. On just the kind of putt that had been a career-long nemesis, he kept his head perfectly still and knocked the ball squarely in the hole. —Jaime Diaz, Sports Illustrated, 20 Feb. 1995
4. Japan and Iraq have been floated as possible successors for the role once filled by Amercia's old nemesis, the Soviet Union … —Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 18 June 1993
5. In the beginning were the words, winged at first until, paralysed, they fell to earth and were imprisoned by their nemesis, the alphabet. —Erich Segal, Times Literary Supplement, 12 July 1991
6. Thus, once surgeons implant the new graft, tissue rejection—the unforgiving nemesis of most transplant attempts—occurs in only 3% to 5% of cases. —Christine Gorman et al., Time, 7 Dec. 1987

Origin of NEMESIS

Latin, from Greek

First Known Use: 1561

Related to NEMESIS

Synonyms: avenger, castigator, chastiser, punisher, scourge, vigilante

Antonyms: benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall

Related Words: revenger; redresser, righter; requiter

Near Antonyms: ransomer, redeemer, vindicator

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

Rhymes with NEMESIS

emesis