Meaning & use

enemy

noun·Everyday

A person, group, or nation that is hostile to another and actively opposes or seeks to harm them.

See it in a sentence

The two nations had been bitter enemies for decades before finally signing a peace treaty.

He made an enemy of his former business partner after the deal fell through.

A note on using this word

Enemy suggests active hostility or intent to harm, while opponent can simply mean someone on the other side of a contest.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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