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.

"The threat of bladed weapons among our children has become critical", Bayrou said, adding it is "up to us to make this widespread scourge a public enemy".

From

He said the pair initially revelled in the public's outrage but, when they realised they would become public enemy number one, were too scared to admit their actions.

From

The hip-hop chapter is also a standout, focusing on how Malcolm became a force in the burgeoning street culture first through his spoken word — Keith LeBlanc’s 1983 cut “No Sell Out” was among the first of what became countless songs to sample his voice — and, later, through the Afrocentric vision of artists including Public Enemy and KRS-One.

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Two men chopped down the world famous Sycamore Gap tree as a "bit of a laugh" and then feared becoming public enemy number one, prosecutors have told jurors.

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"Owning up to this arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery would make them public enemy number one," Mr Wright said.

From

public domain Public Enemy Number One

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