adversary

[ad-ver-ser-ee]

noun

plural

adversaries 

1. a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.

   Antonyms: ally

2. a person, group, etc., that is an opponent in a contest; contestant.

3. the Adversary, the devil; Satan.

adjective

1. of or relating to an adversary.

2. involving adversaries, as plaintiff and defendant in a legal proceeding.

   an adversary trial.

adversary

/ ˈædvəsərɪ /

noun

1. a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy

2. an opposing contestant in a game or sport

adjective

1. the US term for adversarial

Other Word Forms

• adversariness noun
• nonadversarial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English adversarie, from Latin adversārius; equivalent to adverse + -ary; replacing Middle English adversere, from Anglo-French

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

C14: from Latin adversārius, from adversus against. See _adverse

Synonym Study

Adversary, antagonist mean a person or a group contending against another. Adversary suggests an enemy who fights determinedly, continuously, and relentlessly: a formidable adversary. Antagonist suggests one who, in hostile spirit, opposes another, often in a particular contest or struggle: a duel with an antagonist.

Example Sentences

But when he faces down a more traditionally shod and tailored adversary, Boy Kavalier unleashes his dogs as negotiating weapons.

From Salon

Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed the conciliatory tone during a Delhi visit, urging the neighbours to see each other as "partners" rather than "adversaries or threats".

From BBC

SB 17 was proposed earlier this year and signed into law on 20 June by Governor Greg Abbott, who called it the "toughest ban in America" to keep away foreign "adversaries".

From BBC

Prof Dill added that the "mere presence of equipment that belongs to an adversary" does not mean a hospital or medical facility loses its protected status under the laws of war.

From BBC

The case against Page was the latest in a string of legal strikes against Democrats by Bailey, bringing the full weight of the state on a political adversary.

From Salon

Related Words

• antagonist 
• attacker www.thesaurus.com
• competitor 
• enemy 
• foe 
• opponent 
• rival