public enemy

American  

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 British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of public enemy

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

They may see you as public enemy No. 1 whether or not you try to appease and include them.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Along the way, Norman’s role in the saga made him golf’s public enemy No. 1.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Since the “Reputation” era, Swift has made martyrdom into a billion-dollar industry, a smart move further aided by her public enemy, Scooter Braun, purchasing her master recordings in 2019.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2025

He said the pair initially revelled in the public's outrage but, when they realised they would become public enemy number one, were too scared to admit their actions.

From BBC • May 9, 2025

With the hostage crisis still fresh in the country's minds, we were public enemy number one.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi