Enemy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈe-nə-mē/ en·e·my

Meaning & Definition of Enemy

Enemy (noun)

  1. one that is antagonistic to another; especially, one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent
  2. something harmful or deadly
  3. a military adversary

Enemy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one that is hostile toward another

    "a beloved minister with no known enemies"

    similar: adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile, opponent
    related: archenemy, archfoe, nemesis, ill-wisher, bane, bête noire, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, competitor, emulator, rival
    opposite: amigo, friend
    near: buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner, adherent, disciple, follower, backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Enemy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Enemy:

adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile, opponent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Enemy

Words with the opposite meaning of Enemy:

amigo, friend

Related Words for Enemy

archenemy, archfoe, nemesis, ill-wisher, bane, bête noire, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, competitor, emulator, rival

Near Antonyms of Enemy

buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner, adherent, disciple, follower, backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

Word Forms of Enemy

Inflections: enemies

Origin & Etymology of Enemy

Middle English enmy, enemi, borrowed from Anglo-French enemi, going back to Latin inimīcus, noun derivative of inimīcus, adjective, "of an opponent, unfriendly, hostile," from in- in-:1 + amīcus "friendly, well-disposed, loving" amiable

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Enemy

enemy territory, behind enemy lines, mortal enemy, public enemy number one

Frequently Asked Questions about Enemy

What does "Enemy" mean?

"Enemy" means one that is antagonistic to another; especially, one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent. As a noun, it is defined as: one that is antagonistic to another; especially, one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.

What is another word for "Enemy"?

Other words for "Enemy" include adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile and opponent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Enemy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Enemy"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Enemy". Common alternatives include adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile and opponent.

What is the opposite of "Enemy"?

Antonyms of "Enemy" include amigo and friend. Near antonyms include buddy, chum, compadre and crony.

How do you use "Enemy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Enemy" in a sentence: "a beloved minister with no known enemies".

Is "Enemy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Enemy" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Enemy"?

"Enemy" is pronounced /ˈe-nə-mē/ and divided into syllables as en·e·my.

What is the origin of the word "Enemy"?

"Enemy" comes from Middle English enmy, enemi, borrowed from Anglo-French enemi, going back to Latin inimīcus, noun derivative of inimīcus, adjective, "of an opponent, unfriendly, hostile," from in- in-:1 + amīcus "friendly, well-disposed, loving" amiable. First known use: 13th century.