Enemy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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enemy
[ˈɛnəmi ]
Definitions
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.
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| foe |
A more formal or old-fashioned term used to describe someone who is against another, often in literature or epic stories.
|
| opponent |
Commonly used in competitive scenarios, such as sports, debate, or other activities where there are clear sides.
|
| adversary |
Typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who opposes or competes with another in a conflict or contest.
|
| rival |
Generally refers to someone who competes with another for a goal, often creating a sense of ongoing competition.
|
Examples of usage
- The two countries had been enemies for years.
- She saw him as an enemy of the people.
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.
|
| foe |
Can be used similarly to 'enemy', often in a dramatic or literary context, conveying a strong sense of opposition or danger.
|
| 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.
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| adversary |
Typically describes someone you are competing or fighting against in a formal context, often used in legal, sports, or competitive environments.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She made a lot of enemies with her rude behavior.
- He has a way of making enemies wherever he goes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'enemy'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'enemy' originated from the Latin word 'inimicus', which means 'hostile'. The concept of enemies has been present throughout human history, often associated with conflicts, wars, and rivalries. The idea of having enemies can be traced back to ancient civilizations and has been a common theme in literature, art, and philosophy.