Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
public-enemy-number-one
Noun
/ˈpʌb.lɪk ˈɛn.ə.mi ˈnʌm.bər wʌn/
Definition
A person or entity that is widely regarded as a significant threat or danger to society, often sought after by law enforcement or considered highly undesirable.
Examples
- During the 1930s, notorious criminals like Al Capone were labeled as public enemy number one.
- The cybercriminal was dubbed public enemy number one after hacks led to massive data breaches.
Meaning
The term is typically used to describe an individual who is seen as a major criminal or a serious societal issue that affects the community at large.
Synonyms
- Most wanted
- Public threat
- High-profile criminal
