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:
“Cats walk the floor at midnight; that enemy of fog,
The moon, wraps the bedpost in receding stillness....”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)
“Genius is always sufficiently the enemy of genius by over- influence. The literature of every nation bear me witness. The English dramatic poets have Shakespearized now for two hundred years.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Your friendship oft has made my heart to ache:
Do be my enemy for friendship’s sake.”
—William Blake (1757–1827)