Archenemy: meaning, definitions and examples
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archenemy
[ ˈɑːrtʃˌɛnəmi ]
rival, antagonist
An archenemy is a principal enemy or a principal adversary, often one who is opposed to the protagonist or hero in a story. This term is commonly used in literature and popular culture to denote a character that repeatedly challenges or conflicts with another character, embodying the ultimate opposition. The archenemy usually has a long-standing history with the hero, characterized by intense enmity and rivalry.
Synonyms
adversary, foe, nemesis, opponent
Examples of usage
- The superhero finally confronted his archenemy in the final battle.
- In the story, the archenemy returns to seek revenge on the protagonist.
- The detective's archenemy was always one step ahead of him.
- Their rivalry turned them into archenemies for life.
Translations
Translations of the word "archenemy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 arqui-inimigo
🇮🇳 मुख्य दुश्मन
🇩🇪 Erzfeind
🇮🇩 musuh bebuyutan
🇺🇦 головний ворог
🇵🇱 archiwróg
🇯🇵 宿敵
🇫🇷 archennemi
🇪🇸 archienemigo
🇹🇷 baş düşman
🇰🇷 주적
🇸🇦 العدو اللدود
🇨🇿 úhlavní nepřítel
🇸🇰 hlavný nepriateľ
🇨🇳 死敌
🇸🇮 arhinemesis
🇮🇸 arkin敌i
🇰🇿 басты жау
🇬🇪 მთავარი მტერი
🇦🇿 əsas düşmən
🇲🇽 archienemigo
Word origin
The term 'archenemy' is formed from the prefix 'arch-', which is derived from the Greek word 'archi-', meaning 'chief' or 'principal', and the word 'enemy', which comes from the Latin 'inimicus', meaning 'hostile' or 'opposed'. The usage of 'archenemy' in the English language dates back to the early 20th century, where it began to be employed in various forms of literature and media to describe a character that serves as a major antagonist. In essence, an archenemy is someone who poses the greatest challenge to the protagonist, establishing a dynamic that is both captivating and fundamental to narrative development. Over the years, this term has transcended traditional storytelling, finding its place in discussions about rivalry in sports, politics, and other competitive arenas, where the concept of ultimate opposition is relevant.