enemy
enemy Lexical Profile
enemy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
"The two political rivals were bitter enemies in public, though they respected each other's intellect in private."
A hostile nation or its armed forces, especially in time of war.
"Intelligence reports indicated that the enemy had begun withdrawing from the border region."
Something that harms, weakens, or prejudices something else.
"Complacency is often the greatest enemy of long-term academic and professional success."
• adjective
Belonging to, characteristic of, or relating to a hostile nation, organization, or opposing military force.
"The diplomat negotiated safe passage across enemy territory for the humanitarian aid convoy."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a hostile military force or nation (usually preceded by 'the'), 'enemy' can function as a collective noun and take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is viewed as a single unit or as individuals.
• Rhymes for enemy
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French 'enemi', which derives from Latin 'inimicus' ('hostile, unfriendly'), formed from the negative prefix 'in-' ('not') and 'amicus' ('friend').