archenemy

[ ahrch-en-uh-mee ]

noun

, plural arch·en·e·mies.

1. a chief enemy.
2. Satan; the Devil.

archenemy

/ ˈɑːtʃˈɛnɪmɪ /

noun

1. a chief enemy
2. the archenemy
   often capital the devil

Word History and Origins

Origin of archenemy¹

First recorded in 1540–50; arch- ¹ + enemy

Example Sentences

Washington is already extended, primarily with money and weapons, as it supports Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah — two of the Iran-backed factions that have made it possible for Tehran to fight its archenemy Israel by proxy.

From Los Angeles Times

Diplomats, analysts and officials throughout the region and in the West agree that an all-out war between Iran and Israel would be devastating, quite likely more for the Islamic Republic than its archenemy.

From Los Angeles Times

“Yes,” she said, “I would take the shot because I’m the President of the United States, this is our archenemy who took the lives of 3,000-plus Americans. And then I would get down on my knees and ask for forgiveness for the innocent souls whose lives I would be taking.”

From BBC

Those groups have long provided Iran with a means to challenge its regional archenemy Israel, as well as the U.S., without a direct military confrontation.

From Seattle Times

The war has sent regional tensions spiraling, leading to a dramatic eruption of violence between Israel and its archenemy Iran that threatened to escalate into a full-blown war.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• antagonist