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

He wants to leave everything to me, but not tell his children, which would make me public enemy No. 1.

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

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