Archenemy Explained

In literature, an archenemy (sometimes spelled as arch-enemy) or archnemesis is the main enemy of someone.[1] [2] [3] In fiction, it is a character who is the protagonist's, commonly a hero's, most prominent and most-known enemy.

Etymology

The word archenemy sometimes spelled as arch-enemy originated around the mid-16th century, from the words arch-[3] (from Greek ἄρχω archo meaning 'to lead') and enemy.[1]

An archenemy may also be referred to as an archrival,[4] archfoe,[5] archvillain,[6] or archnemesis.[7] However, an archenemy may also be distinguished from a nemesis, with the latter being an enemy whom the hero cannot defeat (or who defeats the hero), even while not being a longstanding or consistent enemy to the hero.[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: archenemy definition . . 7 September 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081005075529/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/archenemy . 5 October 2008 . live.
  2. Web site: archenemy – Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. 26 June 2008.
  3. Web site: BBC World Service Learning English Ask about English. Wicaksono. Rachel. BBC. 26 June 2008.
  4. Web site: Definition of ARCHRIVAL. merriam-webster.com. en. 2019-10-11.
  5. Web site: Definition of ARCHFOE. merriam-webster.com.
  6. Web site: Definition of ARCHVILLAIN. merriam-webster.com. en. 2019-10-11.
  7. Web site: Definition of ARCHNEMESIS. merriam-webster.com.
  8. Sage Michael, How to Become a Superhero: the Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate You! (2011), p. 228.

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