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

Example Sentences

To the religious authorities in England in the early 16th century, an obdurate Oxford scholar became a public enemy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

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

"Owning up to this arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery would make them public enemy number one," Mr Wright said.

From BBC • May 7, 2025

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

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi