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

See Examples For:

public enemy

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

To hear prosecutors tell it, Jose Landa-Rodriguez was public enemy No. 1.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 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

One of those dots is the mother of public enemy number one, I think when I hear a faint wailing behind me.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko