ˈfō noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English fo, fa, from Old English fāh, fā, from fāh, fā, adjective, hostile, outlawed; akin to Old High German gi fēh hostile, fēhan to hate, Old Norse feikn terrible, horrible, Gothic bi faih greediness, Latin piget it annoys, Sanskrit piśuna malicious, treacherous
1. : one who holds a grudge or personal enmity, hatred, or malice against another : enemy
a political foe of long standing
2. : an enemy in war : a hostile army or a member of a hostile force : adversary
whispering, with white lips, “the foe ! They come! they come!” — Lord Byron
3. : one who opposes on principle
a foe to religion
a foe of speculative theories
4. : something prejudicial or injurious
a foe to health
Synonyms: see enemy