enemy Definition
- 1a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
- 2a 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
Idioms Using enemy
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.
Example
The protesters were labeled as enemies of the people by the government.
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
Example
Al Capone was considered a public enemy in the 1920s.
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.
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)
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.