Etymology Map
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Enemy

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person or group actively opposed or hostile to another

Where does the word "enemy" come from? It comes from Latin inimicus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
inimicus
Latin · ancient
"unfriendly; foe"
'in-', not, plus 'amicus', friend
2
Stage 2 of 3
enemi
Old French · medieval
"foe"
used for both personal foes and the Devil
3
Stage 3 of 3
enemy
English · 1300s
"a hostile opponent"
largely replaced Old English 'feond', which narrowed to 'fiend'
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Read the full story

Enemy’s story begins in Latin: inimicus meant “unfriendly; foe.” 'in-', not, plus 'amicus', friend. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as enemi. Used for both personal foes and the Devil. It reached English by 1300s as enemy. Largely replaced Old English 'feond', which narrowed to 'fiend'. Today, enemy means a person or group actively opposed or hostile to another.