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.

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public enemy British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of public enemy

First recorded in 1750–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public enemy

Back in Hastings, Ashman was brought face-to-face with a man he once considered his "public enemy number one".

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

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

Ellen and Tim pick me up in the morning so that I won’t have to face the carport because I am officially Patrick Thomas’s public enemy number one.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

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