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In literature, an archenemy, (sometimes spelled as arch-enemy) or nemesis is the main enemy of the protagonist — or sometimes, one of the other main characters — appearing as the most prominent and most-known enemy of the hero.

Etymology

The word archenemy originated around the mid-16th century, from the words arch- (from Greek ἄρχω archo meaning 'to lead') and enemy.

An archenemy may also be referred to as an archrival, archfoe, archvillain, or archnemesis, but an archenemy may also be distinguished from an archnemesis, 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.

The archenemy should not be confused with the proper meaning of Nemesis — the Greek goddess of justice, retribution, and vengeance — who delivered divine punishment on those who committed great offences against the gods and the world.

See also

• Antagonist
• Supervillain
• Villain
• Nemesis

References

1. ^ "archenemy definition". Dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2008.
2. "archenemy – Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
3. ^ Wicaksono, Rachel. "BBC World Service | Learning English | Ask about English". BBC. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
4. "Definition of ARCHRIVAL". merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
5. "Definition of ARCHFOE". merriam-webster.com.
6. "Definition of ARCHVILLAIN". merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
7. "Definition of ARCHNEMESIS". merriam-webster.com.
8. Sage Michael, How to Become a Superhero: the Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate You! (2011), p. 228.
9. Collins English Dictionary. Harper Collins. 1991. p. 1046. ISBN 0-00-433286-5.

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