enemy
UK: ˈenəmi | US: ˈenəmi
n. a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
n. a hostile nation or military force
n. a thing that harms or weakens something else
The word "enemy" originates from the Old French enemi, derived from Latin inimicus, meaning "hostile" or "unfriendly." The Latin term breaks down into in- (not, against) + amicus (friend), literally translating to "not a friend." Over time, the spelling evolved in English to "enemy," retaining the core idea of opposition or hostility. The morpheme en- preserves the negative/opposing force, while -emy reflects the original root for "friend," now obscured but historically significant.
He considered his former ally his greatest enemy after the betrayal.
The two nations have been enemies for centuries.
Laziness is the enemy of progress.
She vowed to defeat her enemies in the upcoming election.
The hero faced his enemy in a final battle.