archfoe
Chief sworn enemy
An archfoe is a principal enemy or chief adversary—the worst among one's foes.
The prefix arch- intensifies, suggesting supreme or preeminent status: Batman's archfoe is the Joker.
The word appears mainly in fantasy, comics, and dramatic contexts where heroes face defining antagonists.
Principal antagonist
- sworn enemyVowed lifelong adversary
- bête noireDetested person or thing
- rivalOne who competes against
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
nemesis · antagonist · opponent · mortal enemy · bitter enemy · counterpart · foil · opposite number
Powerful fictional evil antagonist
- evildoerOne who causes harm
- tyrantCruel, absolute ruler
- despotRuler with absolute power
- fiendCruel person or enthusiast
monster · malefactor · nemesis · dark lord · overlord · mastermind · big bad · tormentor
Armed military engagement
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
vendetta · rivalry · enmity · animosity · hostility · struggle · war · combat
Story's central figure
- heroOne admired for courage
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foilDefeat a plan
- counterpartCorresponding person or thing
opposite · mirror · story · comic book · superhero · mythology · legend · saga
archenemy
Principal antagonist
- sworn enemyVowed lifelong adversary
- bête noireDetested person or thing
- rivalOne who competes against
adversary · nemesis · antagonist · opponent · mortal enemy · bitter enemy · counterpart · foil · opposite number
supervillain
Powerful fictional evil antagonist
fiend · monster · malefactor · nemesis · dark lord · overlord · mastermind · big bad · tormentor · persecutor
battle
Armed military engagement
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
feud · vendetta · rivalry · enmity · animosity · hostility · struggle · war · combat · opposition
protagonist
Story's central figure
- heroOne admired for courage
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foilDefeat a plan
counterpart · opposite · mirror · story · comic book · superhero · mythology · legend · saga · epic
archfoeally
Supportive partner
best friend · guardian angel · savior · soulmate · confidant