View synonyms for

public enemy

noun

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.
a nation or government with which one's own is at war.

public enemy

noun

a notorious person, such as a criminal, who is regarded as a menace to the public

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Word History and Origins

Origin of public enemy¹

First recorded in 1750–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Foster Wells: Public Enemy, I remember I gave them a hard time when they came.

From

It was Flava Flav, actually, who said: “Yo, we Public Enemy.”

From

For “Beat of the Day,” Public Enemy rapper and “Flavor of Love” star Flavor Flav beatboxed and sang about loving different kinds of bugs.

From

He served volleys such as, “We are here to talk about the truth. It is 2017, and we are living in the golden age of lying. Now is the time to be a liar, and Donald Trump is the liar-in-chief. And remember, you guys are public enemy Number 1. You are his biggest enemy. Journalists, ISIS, normal-length ties.”

From

His aliases include "El Jefe," "Giant," "Public Enemy," "James Conrad King," and "Jesse King," the FBI said.

From

public domain Public Enemy Number One

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