plural enemies
1
: someone who hates another : someone who attacks or tries to harm another
They are sworn/bitter enemies.
He made a lot of enemies during the course of his career.
Note: If you are your own worst enemy you act in a way that causes harm to yourself or to the people or things that you care about.
2
: something that harms or threatens someone or something
Tradition is the enemy of progress.
In many countries today, drug abuse is public enemy number one. [=the most dangerous threat to society]
3
a
: a group of people (such as a nation) against whom another group is fighting a war
—usually singular
Some of the soldiers went over to the enemy.
He found himself behind enemy lines.
The plane was shot down by enemy fire.
b
: a military force, a ship, or a person belonging to the other side in a war
—usually singular
They targeted the enemy at close range.
Cite this Entry
“Enemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/enemy. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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