foe

/foʊ/

/fəʊ/

Other forms: foes

A foe is an enemy. Foes can range from an adversary of one person to that of a nation, from “he is my foe” to “they are my foe.” There is also a “that is my foe” who those who are trying to diet know well, aka chocolate.

A cousin of the word feud (though they don’t get a long of course) foe may refer to a military opponent or a personal nemesis or rival — Lex Luthor is Superman’s foe. Historically, foes often come in pairs — such as the North and the South in the Civil War. The word foe is sometimes used for an opposing concept or a thing — if you are on a diet, chocolate may be your foe.

Definitions of foe

1. noun

   an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
   synonyms: enemy, foeman, opposition

   types:

   besieger

   an enemy who lays siege to your position

   type of:

   adversary, antagonist, opponent, opposer, resister

   someone who offers opposition
2. noun

   a personal enemy
   “they had been political foes for years”

   synonyms: enemy, nemesis

   antonyms:

   friend

   an associate who provides cooperation or assistance

   types:

   mortal enemy

   an enemy who wants to kill you

   type of:

   challenger, competition, competitor, contender, rival

   the contestant you hope to defeat