Foe
/foʊ/
Definitions
A person who is opposed to or hostile towards someone or something; an enemy or opponent.
/foʊ/
An enemy or opponent.
The two armies prepared to meet their foe on the battlefield.
💡 Simply: A foe is like your rival or someone you're fighting against. Imagine two kids arguing over a toy – they're foes in that moment!
👶 For kids: A foe is someone who doesn't like you and might fight you.
More Examples
He regarded his former friend as a bitter foe.
The knight bravely faced his foe in the final duel.
How It's Used
"The two countries have been foes for centuries."
"The hero faced his greatest foe."
"Political foes often become allies."
Idioms & expressions
know your foe
To understand your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
"Before the debate, she spent hours researching her opponent to know her foe."
From Old English *fāh*, meaning 'hostile, enemy'. Cognate with Old High German *fāh* and Proto-Germanic *faihaz*.
The word 'foe' has been used throughout history in literature and warfare to describe enemies or adversaries. It is particularly prevalent in epic poems and historical accounts of battles.
Memory tip
Think of 'foe' as someone who opposes you, like a fierce enemy.