enemy of the state
Deemed nationally dangerous
An enemy of the state is a person officially designated as a threat to the government or nation.
The phrase often carries sinister overtones—governments have used it to justify persecution of political dissidents, journalists, or minority groups: The regime declared him an enemy of the state.
Someone called this without formal charges may simply be targeted for opposing those in power.
- seditionInciting revolt against government
- insurrectionViolent uprising against authority
- dissidentOpposer of established systems
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
whistleblower · coup d'état · subversion · traitor · wanted poster · espionage · agitators · McCarthyism · witch hunt · secret police · proscription · death warrant · Benedict Arnold · ostracism · Guy Fawkes · scapegoating · civil unrest · counter-revolutionary
- political prisonersprisoner of conscience, dissident, detainee, gulag prisoner, internee
enemy of the statepatriot
Devoted country supporter
loyalist · good citizen · true believer · nationalist · party loyalist
enemy of the statenational treasure
Valued cultural possession
enemy of the statenational hero
Celebrated defender of country
decorated veteran · medal recipient · dignitary · favorite son · VIP
enemy, enemies, enmity, state, states, stated, stating, statement, statements