51Թ

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View synonyms for

enemy

[en-uh-mee]

noun

plural

enemies 
  1. a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent.

    Synonyms:
    Antonyms:
  2. an armed foe; an opposing military force.

    The army attacked the enemy at dawn.

    Antonyms:
  3. a hostile nation or state.

  4. a citizen of such a state.

  5. enemies, persons, nations, etc., that are hostile to one another.

    Let's make up and stop being enemies.

  6. something harmful or prejudicial.

    His unbridled ambition is his worst enemy.

  7. the Enemy, the Devil; Satan.



adjective

  1. belonging to a hostile power or to any of its nationals.

    enemy property.

  2. Obsolete.inimical; ill-disposed.

enemy

/ ˈɛəɪ /

noun

  1. a person hostile or opposed to a policy, cause, person, or group, esp one who actively tries to do damage; opponent

    1. an armed adversary; opposing military force

    2. ( as modifier )

      enemy aircraft

    1. a hostile nation or people

    2. ( as modifier )

      an enemy alien

  2. something that harms or opposes; adversary

    courage is the enemy of failure

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Grammar Note

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Other 51Թ Forms

  • nonenemy noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of enemy1

First recorded in 1300–1350; Middle English enemi, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin inimicus “unfriendly,” equivalent to in- in- 3 + amicus “friendly, friend”; amicable
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of enemy1

C13: from Old French enemi, from Latin Ծīܲ hostile, from in- 1 + īܲ friend
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Synonym Study

Enemy, foe refer to a dangerous public or personal adversary. Enemy emphasizes the idea of hostility: to overcome the enemy; a bitter enemy. Foe, a more literary word, may be used interchangeably with enemy, but emphasizes somewhat more the danger to be feared from such a one: deadly foe; arch foe of humankind ( the Devil ).
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“You run into the enemy, and you fight,” he said.

From

His description matches accounts from his unit mates, who told Ukrainian investigators they were instructed to execute prisoners and throw grenades into dugouts even if the enemy had surrendered.

From

One sign stuck to a utility box read, “Immigrants are not the enemy,” while another read, “All You Fascists Bound to Lose.”

From

Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for actions not in the presence of an enemy.

From

The new submarine model will be able to operate further and faster than the country's existing diesel-engine fleet, and allow it to carry out long-range strikes against enemies for the first time.

From

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