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Definitions

public enemy

NOUN
common enemy
Synonyms
WEAK
criminal felon gangster lawbreaker malevolent outlaw perpetrator public enemy number one racketeer scofflaw universal foe villain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They may see you as public enemy No. 1 whether or not you try to appease and include them.

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