Enemy
/ˈɛnəmi/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. An adversary or foe.
/ˈɛnəmi/
A person or thing that is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
The two countries had been enemies for centuries.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and the other team is trying to beat you. That team is your enemy. It can also be something bad that is trying to cause you trouble, like a difficult test.
👶 For kids: An enemy is someone or something that you don't like and that might try to hurt you or make things hard for you.
More Examples
He made an enemy of his former friend after a bitter argument.
Disease is the enemy of good health.
How It's Used
"The soldiers engaged the enemy in a fierce battle."
"She considered her ex-boyfriend an enemy after their acrimonious breakup."
"He saw procrastination as his greatest enemy."
Belonging to or characteristic of an enemy.
/ˈɛnəmi/
The soldiers were facing enemy fire.
💡 Simply: Anything that has to do with the enemy, like their soldiers, their territory, or their plans.
👶 For kids: When we talk about things that belong to the enemy, like their things or their place.
More Examples
They seized enemy territory.
How It's Used
"The enemy forces were advancing rapidly."
Idioms & expressions
know your enemy
To understand someone or something that is challenging or harmful in order to overcome it.
"Before you fight them in court, you must know your enemy."
make an enemy of
To cause someone to become an enemy.
"His rude behavior made an enemy of the manager."
From Old French *enemi*, from Latin *inimicus* ('hostile, unfriendly'), a derivative of *inimicus* ('an enemy').
The word 'enemy' has been used in English since the 13th century, initially borrowed from Old French. Historically, it referred primarily to opponents in warfare and was used extensively in literature and historical accounts of battles and conflicts.
Memory tip
Think of 'en' (in) and 'emy' (me). Someone who is 'in' against 'me' is an enemy.