foe

1 of 2

noun

ˈfō 

1

: one who has personal enmity for another

Embrace, embrace, my Sons! be foes no more!

—Alexander Pope

2

a

: an enemy in war

b

: adversary, opponent

a political foe

3

: one who opposes on principle

a foe of needless expenditures

a foe of censorship

4

: something prejudicial or injurious

FOE

2 of 2

abbreviation

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Synonyms

Noun

• adversary
• antagonist
• enemy
• hostile
• opponent

Examples of foe in a Sentence

Noun

Many considered him a foe of democracy.

Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Longtime Southwest Conferences foes Texas Tech and Arkansas get reacquainted in the Liberty Bowl. —Dan Santaromita, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

The latest fracas between bickering foes India and Pakistan has finally ended after a resolution was resolved following months of warring almost jeopardized the upcoming Champions Trophy. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

But as the Rams (9-6) prepare for the rematch this weekend with their NFC West foe, the contrast with their current standing couldn’t be more stark. —Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 23 Dec. 2024

Then, a threatening foe tests their bonds and forces them to embark on an adventure that will change their destinies and friendship. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fo, from Old English fāh, from fāh, adjective, hostile; akin to Old High German gifēh hostile

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foe

• mortal foe/rival

Kids Definition

foe

noun

ˈfō 

1

: one who hates another

2

: an enemy in war