foe /foʊ/

Origin

From Old English fāh, fā ("hostile"), from Proto-Germanic faihaz ("hostile")

Definitions

1. An enemy or opponent; someone who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
2. (archaic) A personal adversary or rival

Examples

• "The two nations had been bitter foes for centuries."
• "Batman and the Joker are sworn foes."
• "The environmental group considers the oil company its greatest foe."

Related Words

• Forms: foes (plural)
• Synonyms:
  • enemy
  • adversary
  • opponent
  • antagonist
  • rival
  • nemesis

Memory Tricks

• Think "FOE = Fighting Opposing Enemy"
• Remember that "foe" is a short, strong word, like the concept it represents
• Associated with classic literature and poetry where "friend or foe" is a common phrase
• Similar sound to "woe," which often accompanies dealing with enemies

Usage Notes

• More commonly used in literary or formal contexts
• Often appears in the phrase "friend or foe"
• Frequently used in historical, military, or dramatic contexts
• Less common in everyday speech than synonyms like "enemy"