enemy
EH-nuh-mee
Enemy (noun) means a person who is hostile toward, or actively opposes, another. Example: “She never saw the neighbour as an enemy, despite their many arguments.”
noun
1
A person who is hostile toward, or actively opposes, another.
"She never saw the neighbour as an enemy, despite their many arguments."
"He made an enemy of his former business partner."
"The two nations had been enemies for generations."
2
An opposing military force or fighter in a conflict.
"The enemy retreated across the river before dawn."
"Scouts reported that the enemy had moved closer to the village overnight."
"The soldiers spotted enemy troops on the ridge."
3
Something that threatens or works against a particular goal or interest.
"Clutter is the enemy of a calm, tidy home."
"Poor planning is the enemy of any successful project."
"Stress is the enemy of good sleep."
How to use enemy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something opposed to you or working against your interests.
Common pairings
make an enemy
public enemy
the enemy of
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Word forms
- Plural
- enemies
- Third person singular
- enemies
- Past tense
- enemied
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She never saw the neighbour as an _____, despite their many arguments.
Etymology
From Old French enemi, from Latin inimīcus, literally "not a friend" (in- + amīcus, "friend").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for enemy
See all rhymes for enemy →Frequently asked questions
What does “enemy” mean?
The word “enemy” means a person who is hostile toward, or actively opposes, another. In plain terms, someone or something opposed to you or working against your interests.
How do you pronounce “enemy”?
“Enemy” is pronounced EH-nuh-mee (/ˈɛnəmi/ in IPA).
How do you use “enemy” in a sentence?
Here is “enemy” used in a sentence: “He made an enemy of his former business partner.”
What is another word for “enemy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “enemy” include adversary, antagonist, backfriend, bane, bête noire and corrival.
What is the opposite of “enemy”?
The opposite of “enemy” — its antonyms — are accomplice, ally, friend, pal and partner.
What part of speech is “enemy”?
“Enemy” is a noun.
Where does the word “enemy” come from?
The word “enemy” comes from Latin. From Old French enemi, from Latin inimīcus, literally "not a friend" (in- + amīcus, "friend").
Is “enemy” a common word?
“Enemy” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an enemy and a rival?
A rival competes with you for the same prize — a job, a title, a partner — but need not wish you harm, and rivalry can even be friendly. An enemy is actively hostile and wants to see you defeated or hurt. Rivalry is about competition; enmity is about opposition and ill will.
What is the difference between an enemy and a foe?
They mean essentially the same thing — a person who is hostile toward or opposes another. The difference is tone. 'Foe' is more formal, literary, or old-fashioned and appears mostly in writing and poetry, while 'enemy' is the everyday word used in ordinary speech.
Can a country be an enemy?
Yes. 'Enemy' applies not only to individuals but to nations, armies, and groups in conflict or at war. We speak of an enemy state, enemy territory, or enemy forces. In this sense the enemy is the whole opposing side, rather than one hostile person.
What is the opposite of an enemy?
The opposite is a friend or ally — someone who supports you and stands on your side rather than opposing you. In a conflict, allies fight alongside you against a common enemy. Other opposites include supporter, partner, and companion, depending on the situation.
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