adversary

[ ad-ver-ser-ee ]

noun

, plural ad·ver·sar·ies.

1. a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.

   Antonyms: ally

2. a person, group, etc., that is an opponent in a contest; contestant.
3. the Adversary, the devil; Satan.

adjective

1. of or relating to an adversary.
2. involving adversaries, as plaintiff and defendant in a legal proceeding:

   an adversary trial.

adversary

/ ˈædvəsərɪ /

noun

1. a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy
2. an opposing contestant in a game or sport

adjective

1. the US term for adversarial

Other Words From

• adver·sari·ness noun
• nonad·ver·sari·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English adversarie, from Latin adversārius; equivalent to adverse + -ary; replacing Middle English adversere, from Anglo-French

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

C14: from Latin adversārius, from adversus against. See adverse

Synonym Study

Adversary, antagonist mean a person or a group contending against another. Adversary suggests an enemy who fights determinedly, continuously, and relentlessly: a formidable adversary. Antagonist suggests one who, in hostile spirit, opposes another, often in a particular contest or struggle: a duel with an antagonist.

Example Sentences

“International humanitarian law does not permit attacks on the economic or financial infrastructure of an adversary, even if they indirectly sustain its military activities,” according to Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-terrorism.

From BBC

The Israeli prime minister undoubtedly recognized that Iran was a different adversary, far more powerful and potentially dangerous than militant groups Hamas and even Hezbollah, Iran’s main proxy in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

At his return rally in Butler, PA, the site of the assassination attempt, he returned to his fascist narrative that the “enemy from within” is more dangerous than any foreign adversary.

From Salon

Most of the people I chat to here do not see America as an evil adversary.

From BBC

His strident views on communism often clashed with Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent approach to defeat their common adversary.

From BBC

Related Words

• antagonist
• attacker
• competitor
• enemy
• foe
• opponent
• rival