Enemy: meaning, definitions and examples

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enemy

[ˈɛnəmi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in war

A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

Synonyms

adversary, foe, opponent, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enemy	Used to describe someone who is actively hostile or unfriendly, often in the context of war or a personal vendetta. The two countries were sworn enemies for decades He considered his former best friend his enemy after the betrayal
foe	A more formal or old-fashioned term used to describe someone who is against another, often in literature or epic stories. The hero and his foe clashed in a final battle No foe could stand against their combined strength
opponent	Commonly used in competitive scenarios, such as sports, debate, or other activities where there are clear sides. He trained hard to defeat his opponent in the boxing match Each debate team must prepare arguments to counter their opponents
adversary	Typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who opposes or competes with another in a conflict or contest. In the chess tournament, she faced many skilled adversaries He met his adversary in the courtroom
rival	Generally refers to someone who competes with another for a goal, often creating a sense of ongoing competition. She always viewed her classmate as a rival for the top spot The two companies have been business rivals for years

Examples of usage

The two countries had been enemies for years.
She saw him as an enemy of the people.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in personal conflicts

A person who is hated or rejected by others.

Synonyms

adversary, foe, opponent, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enemy	Best used when referring to someone or something that is in direct opposition to you, typically in a hostile or combative way. The city was under siege by their enemies She considered him her enemy after he betrayed her
foe	Can be used similarly to 'enemy', often in a dramatic or literary context, conveying a strong sense of opposition or danger. He finally defeated his longtime foe In the story, the hero must confront her greatest foe
opponent	Refers to someone against whom you are competing or arguing in a more neutral, often less hostile, context. Commonly used in sports, debates, or any kind of contest. Her opponent in the finals was very strong He respected his opponent's skills despite their differences
adversary	Typically describes someone you are competing or fighting against in a formal context, often used in legal, sports, or competitive environments. He faced a formidable adversary in court The chess champion finally met his adversary
rival	Generally used to describe someone you are competing with for the same goal, often implying a long-term and ongoing competition, not necessarily hostile. They were rivals in business for decades Her academic rival scored higher on the test this time

Examples of usage

She made a lot of enemies with her rude behavior.
He has a way of making enemies wherever he goes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'inimicus', meaning 'hostile' or 'unfriendly'.
In Old French, it was 'enemi', which retained the similar meaning of opposition.
The transition to modern English took place in the late 14th century, emphasizing conflict.

Psychology

People often create mental 'enemies' in their minds as a way to cope with competition or aggression.
Viewing someone as an enemy can trigger the body's stress response, affecting behavior and health.
In group dynamics, labeling members of another group as enemies can heighten group cohesion among allies.

Literature

In many classic stories, heroes confront their enemies, emphasizing the struggle between good and evil.
Famous literary works often explore themes of betrayal, where former friends become enemies.
Shakespeare's plays are filled with characters who have enemies, revealing the complexity of human relationships.

Pop Culture

In movies, the 'enemy' character often serves as the main antagonist, creating tension in the plot.
Comic book heroes frequently face supervillains who are depicted as their arch-enemies.
Video games often incorporate enemy characters to challenge players, encouraging skill development.

History

Throughout history, famous battles were fought between 'enemies', shaping the course of nations.
Cultural narratives often depict historical figures as either heroes or enemies, influencing public perception.
The concept of an enemy has shifted over time, from personal rivalries to ideological clashes in modern conflicts.

Translations

Translations of the word "enemy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inimigo

🇮🇳 दुश्मन

🇩🇪 Feind

🇮🇩 musuh

🇺🇦 ворог

🇵🇱 wróg

🇯🇵 敵 (てき)

🇫🇷 ennemi

🇪🇸 enemigo

🇹🇷 düşman

🇰🇷 적 (jeok)

🇸🇦 عدو (adu)

🇨🇿 nepřítel

🇸🇰 nepriateľ

🇨🇳 敌人 (dírén)

🇸🇮 sovražnik

🇮🇸 óvinur

🇰🇿 жау

🇬🇪 მტერი (mteri)

🇦🇿 düşmən

🇲🇽 enemigo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,490, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1487 cash
1488 vessels
1489 excess
1490 enemy
1491 explain
1492 jury
1493 valuable
...