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

Volunteer historians and re-enactors will share living history of a small portion of Napoleon’s French Grande Army and the empire’s enemies, Britain, Austria, Prussia and their allies, on campaign in Spain. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025

All Cherry Mary wants is to pass her Commercial Driver’s License test and become a trucker — but after her family’s criminal enterprise makes the wrong enemies, when the test starts, the trouble begins. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025

The new chapter will take place 10 years after the events in the first season, in which Lord Toranaga (Sanada) fought for his survival as his enemies in the Council of Regents united against him. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025

Dog Man must then foil the evil plans of his enemy, Petey, an orange cat (voiced by Pete Davidson), who clones himself in an effort to create a criminal sidekick but ends up with a curious kitten, Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) instead. —Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025

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"