a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something, a thing that harms or weakens something else

keep your friends close and your enemies closer, an enemy of the people, the enemy of my enemy is my friend

public enemy, enemy combatant, the enemy within

Formal and Informal Expressions of enemy

In different contexts, you can replace 'enemy' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'adversary, opponent' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'foe, rival' is a commonplace synonym.

enemy: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for enemy

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.