enemy

[ˈɛnəmi]

enemy Definition

• 1. a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
• 2. a thing that harms or weakens something else

Using enemy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "enemy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He made many enemies during his political career.

• Example

  The disease is the enemy of a healthy body.

• Example

  Time is the enemy of youth.

• Example

  Lack of sleep is the enemy of productivity.

enemy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for enemy

• foe
• adversary
• opponent
• rival
• antagonist

Antonyms for enemy

• ally
• friend

Idioms Using enemy

• keep your friends close and your enemies closer

  it is better to be aware of and monitor your enemies than to ignore them

  Example

  I don't trust him, but I'll keep him close. You know what they say: keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

• an enemy of the people

  a person or group who opposes the common good or the public interest

  Example

  The protesters were labeled as enemies of the people by the government.

• the enemy of my enemy is my friend

  two parties who have a common enemy can cooperate against that enemy, even if they are otherwise hostile to each other

  Example

  Although they are usually rivals, the two companies decided to work together to defeat their common enemy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, after all.

Phrases with enemy

• public enemy

  a notorious criminal or group whose activities are seen as a threat to the public

  Example

  Al Capone was considered a public enemy in the 1920s.

• enemy combatant

  a person who has engaged in hostilities against a country or its armed forces, especially one who is not a citizen of the country at war

  Example

  The government detained several enemy combatants during the war.

• the enemy within

  a perceived threat from people within one's own organization or country

  Example

  The company was threatened by the enemy within, as employees leaked confidential information to competitors.

Origins of enemy

from Old French 'enemi', based on Latin 'inimicus', from 'in-' (not) + 'amicus' (friend)

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Summary: enemy in Brief

The term 'enemy' [ˈɛnəmi] refers to a person or thing that is actively opposed or harmful to someone or something. It can be used in various contexts, such as politics, health, and productivity. Examples include 'He made many enemies during his political career.' and 'Lack of sleep is the enemy of productivity.' Phrases like 'public enemy' and idioms like 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' add nuance to the term.