What does enemy mean?
An enemy is a person who feels or shows hostility toward another — an adversary, foe, or opponent whose interests conflict directly with one's own. Beyond people, the word extends to anything that harms or obstructs: illness, ignorance, and complacency are all commonly described as enemies of health, learning, or progress. The word carries strong connotations of active opposition, distinguishing it from a mere rival, who competes without necessarily harboring ill will. In military usage, 'the enemy' refers formally to the forces of a nation at war, appearing in established phrases like 'enemy territory' and 'behind enemy lines'. Derived from Latin inimicus, meaning literally 'not a friend', the noun has been part of English since the Middle Ages. Its abstract noun form is 'enmity', denoting the state or feeling of hostility itself. Whether describing personal grudges, geopolitical conflict, or metaphorical adversaries such as disease or doubt, 'enemy' remains one of English's most forceful terms for opposition.
A person who is actively hostile or opposed to another; an adversary or foe.
"He made many enemies during his ruthless business career."
Stronger than 'opponent' or 'rival' — implies genuine hostility.
Anything that harms, threatens, or works against a person, group, or cause.
"Doubt is the enemy of creativity."
(Military) the armed forces of a nation at war with one's own.
"The regiment advanced deep into enemy territory."
Usually preceded by 'the' or used attributively as in 'enemy lines'.
Regular plural; note the spelling change from -y to -ies. Commonly used in the phrase 'make enemies'.
"Diplomats must be careful not to make unnecessary enemies abroad."
The Latin root of 'enemy' literally means 'not a friend' (in- + amicus) — so by definition, your enemy is simply anyone who isn't on your side.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enemy
'Enemy' comes through Old French 'enemi' from Latin 'inimicus', formed from 'in-' (not) plus 'amicus' (friend), so its literal sense is 'not a friend'. It entered Middle English around the 13th–14th centuries, initially often meaning simply a stranger or non-believer before narrowing to its modern sense of adversary. Cognates include 'enmity' and the borrowed adjectives 'inimical' and 'inimicable'; the related Latin root also underlies words like 'amiable' and 'amateur' via the positive side of 'amicus'.
Related word forms
How enemy is actually used
'Enemy' carries a stronger connotation than 'opponent' or 'rival' — it implies active hostility rather than mere competition. In military and diplomatic contexts it has a formal register ('enemy forces', 'behind enemy lines'). The phrase 'the enemy within' is used metaphorically for internal threats to a group.
Easily confused with enemy
Anemone is a sea creature or flower; enemy is a hostile opponent — the words merely sound similar.