archenemy

[ahrch-en-uh-mee]

noun

plural

archenemies 

1. a chief enemy.

2. Satan; the Devil.

archenemy

/ ˈɑːtʃˈɛnɪmɪ /

noun

1. a chief enemy

2. (often capital) the devil

Word History and Origins

Origin of archenemy¹

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

Example Sentences

But when he did play it, it was less about his archenemy than about L.A., a city with a new song in the canon, a definitive “Us” who were all alike in screaming it.

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

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

A spokesperson for Hezbollah, Israel’s archenemy on its northern border, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• antagonist