Archenemy

The word archenemy is composed of the prefix and the root word arch- enemy. The prefix ore serves as a cant term. She is originally from the Greek ἀρχή ( Ark ) for early, leadership ', in the derived importance, top '.

Originally the Greek form of the prefix part of particular ecclesiastical titles, such as the Archbishop ( engl. still Archbishop ), which is in the Catholic hierarchy between the simple bishop and the Pope. The nemesis is thus the highest of the enemies or the most hostile of all enemies. Ecclesiastically the term therefore designated nemesis the devil, the adversary of God in the Bible.

Political use of the word

During World War II, the USSR and the USA were sworn enemies of the Third Reich. During the Cold War USSR and USA were then even sworn enemies.

Today, Israel and USA are considered by Iran and the southern Lebanese Hezbollah as archenemies.