PUBLIC ENEMY Definition & Meaning

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public enemy

noun

a person or thing considered a danger or menace to the public, especially a wanted criminal widely sought by the F.B.I. and local police forces.
a nation or government with which one's own is at war.

public enemy

noun

a notorious person, such as a criminal, who is regarded as a menace to the public

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of public enemy¹

First recorded in 1750–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The powerful prison syndicate known as the Aryan Brotherhood has moved to expand its reach, testimony and court records show, relying on gang called Public Enemy Number 1, for brutal killings, kidnappings, and drug deals on the streets of Southern California.

From

"Donald Trump is public enemy number one to most in Canada, and I don't think it was coming across very well."

From

Foster Wells: Public Enemy, I remember I gave them a hard time when they came.

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It was Flava Flav, actually, who said: “Yo, we Public Enemy.”

From

For “Beat of the Day,” Public Enemy rapper and “Flavor of Love” star Flavor Flav beatboxed and sang about loving different kinds of bugs.

From

public domain Public Enemy Number One

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