nemesis

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 society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores> Synonyms castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, punishment, penalty, wrathRelated Words reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge, vengeance; assessment, charge, fine, mulct; example, sentence; confinement, imprisonment, incarceration; condemnation, damnation, denouncement; censure, criticism, rebuke, reprimand, reproofNear Antonyms amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole; acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication; exemption, immunity, impunity; release; commutation, reprieve; absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment; condonation, disregard, overlooking

3 a source of harm or misfortune <irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate> Synonyms affliction, curse, bane, scourgeRelated Words hex, hoodoo, jinx; danger, hazard, menace, peril, risk, threat, trouble; booby trap, catch, pitfall, snagNear Antonyms advantage, aid, assistance, gift, help, relief, support; comfort, consolation, solace; delight, joy, pleasure; armor, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, safety, security, shieldAntonyms benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall