public enemy

noun

1. a person or thing considered a danger or menace to the public, especially a wanted criminal widely sought by the F.B.I. and local police forces.
2. a nation or government with which one's own is at war.

public enemy

noun

1. a notorious person, such as a criminal, who is regarded as a menace to the public

Word History and Origins

Origin of public enemy¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Prosecutors alleged that Wedding — who was known by many aliases, including “El Jefe” and “Public Enemy” — ran the drug trafficking organization from 2011 to 2024 along with his second-in-command Andrew Clark.

From Los Angeles Times

In June, the Public Enemy rapper shared on X that he had visited a Red Lobster location and ordered everything on the menu.

From Salon

When he first heard Public Enemy in sixth or seventh-grade, Chuck D’s voice sounded invincible, like he could take on the world alone.

From Los Angeles Times

The Public Enemy rapper has been quite vocal with his support for U.S. women’s sports teams.

From Los Angeles Times

An outspoken critic of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Prof Yunus - lauded for his pioneering use of micro-loans but regarded as a public enemy by the former prime minister - was sentenced to six months in jail in what he has called a politically motivated case.

From BBC