An enemy or foe is a relativist term for an entity, whether an individual or a group, that is seen as forcefully adverse or threatening. The concept of an enemy has been observed to be "basic for both individuals and communities". The term "enemy" serves the social function of designating a particular entity as a threat, thereby invoking an intense emotional response to that entity. The state of being or having an enemy is enmity.
Read more about Enemy: Terms, Enemies As A Function of Social Science, Enemies in Literature, Treatment of Enemies
Famous quotes containing the word enemy:
“Now listen, buddy, there are a few corny ideas you got to get out of your head if you’re going to fly an airplane. Most things are just the reverse from what people think. The higher you are the safer you are. The Earth down there, that, that’s your enemy because once you hit that, boy, you splatter.”
—Dalton Trumbo (1905–1976)
“In cases of defense ‘tis best to weigh
The enemy more mighty than he seems.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“If you can hold your present position, we shall “hive” the enemy yet.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)