Entry Word: nemesis

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense <Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots>

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

Related Words revenger; redresser, righter; requiter

Near Antonyms ransomer, redeemer, vindicator

2 suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense <social ostracism was once societyʼs nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores> — see punishment