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

Leaders looking at 2025 want to incorporate AI as a friend, not a foe, to enable greater efficiency, output and growth. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

This game against a potential playoff foe was somewhat of a litmus test for the Seahawks, who handled business coming out of the bye week with wins over the Cardinals (twice), 49ers and Jets. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Read more: 49ers to Activate Star Dre Greenlaw Ahead of Crucial TNF Matchup Bosa has accumulated five sacks in nine career meetings against the in-state divisional foe Rams. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

During a scene in which Bob Banks and his friends ambush Hal Jordan, the burgeoning superhero uses his Green Lantern ring to manifest a giant fist, which knocks his foes into various vehicles. —Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 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