B1noun 1K

Enemy

UK /["/ˈenəmi/"]/ US /["/ˈenəmi/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a person who hates somebody or who acts or speaks against somebody/something

Listen to definition

In simple words: A person or group that you fight against or do not like.

Examples

• In the game, you must defeat the enemy to progress to the next level.
• The enemy troops were advancing toward the city.
• Even rivals can become friends; an enemy today might be an ally tomorrow.
• He discovered that his greatest enemy was his own self-doubt.
• The enemy of my enemy is my friend, they say.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Avoid using in overly casual situations unless it fits the context, like in games or stories.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'enemy' like 'an enemy' in a video game, the one you need to beat.

Collocations

• bitter
• deadly
• great
• have
• make
• attack
• attack somebody/​something
• army
• forces
• soldiers
• against an/​the enemy
• enemy of
• your own worst enemy
• fall into enemy hands
• in the face of the enemy
• bitter
• deadly
• great
• have
• make
• attack
• attack somebody/​something
• army
• forces
• soldiers
• against an/​the enemy
• enemy of
• your own worst enemy
• fall into enemy hands
• in the face of the enemy

Synonyms

• foe
• opponent
• rival
• adversary
• antagonist

Antonyms

• friend
• ally
• supporter

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'friend' or 'foe'.
• Using 'enemey' as a common misspelling.
• Overusing in non-combat contexts, when a word like 'opponent' may fit better.