public enemy number one

noun

: the nation's most wanted criminal : the most dangerous threat to society

In many countries today, drug abuse is public enemy number one.

Examples of public enemy number one in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not long ago, public enemy number one for the Heritage Foundation was crony capitalism. — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Mildew and mold are invisible causes of very real symptoms—and unwashed linens can be public enemy number one. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 May 2026

Seemingly overnight, flip-flops went from public enemy number one to the most coveted shoe style on the market. — Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2026

Hailed as a folk hero by cannabis users and branded public enemy number one by law enforcement, Barry’s outrageous reinvention is filled with wild stories, big personalities, and Texas-size spectacle. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025

Rhymes for public enemy number one

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• overrun
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun