ADJ
arch, bitter, deadly, great, implacable, mortal, sworn | dangerous, formidable, powerful
ancient, old, traditional
France and Britain were ancient enemies for centuries before becoming close allies.
chief, main, principal
Pollution is the principal enemy of marine life in our oceans.
natural
Dogs and cats have often been natural enemies throughout history.
common
Pollution is a common enemy that affects people all around the world.
political
VERB + ENEMY
have
My grandfather was a kind man who never had an enemy throughout his entire life.
make
By criticizing their work publicly, she risked making enemies among her colleagues.
attack, fight (against)
The soldiers were ready to attack the enemy at dawn.
defeat, destroy
confront, face
She had to confront her former business partner, who had become her worst enemy.
defend sth against, protect sb/sth against/from
The security system was designed to defend the building against potential enemies.
deter
The strong security system successfully deterred the enemy from attacking the building.
ENEMY + VERB
attack sb/sth
ENEMY + NOUN
army, forces, soldiers, troops, unit
defences, front (line), lines, positions, ranks
The soldiers advanced carefully toward the enemy positions in the valley below.
camp
action, bombing, fire
The soldiers took shelter when they heard the sound of enemy fire approaching from the hills.
activity
We detected suspicious enemy activity near the border yesterday afternoon.
country | territory | aircraft, fighter, plane, ship | propaganda
PREP
against an/the ~
The general ordered his troops to march against the enemy at dawn.
PHRASES
fall into enemy hands
If the secret files fall into enemy hands, the whole operation will be compromised.
in the face of the enemy
The soldier remained calm and focused in the face of the enemy.
public enemy (number one)
Plastic pollution has become public enemy number one for environmental activists worldwide.