public enemy number one
Most wanted criminal
Public enemy number one is someone designated as the most dangerous or wanted criminal, a label that originated with the FBI's Depression-era campaigns against gangsters like John Dillinger.
The phrase now applies more broadly to anyone or anything considered the greatest threat to a group or cause: Sugar has become public enemy number one for health advocates.
It can also be used humorously for minor irritants that have provoked someone's particular ire.
- Bonnie and ClydeDepression-era outlaw couple
- Jesse JamesInfamous frontier bandit
- ScarfaceCriminal's disfigurement-based nickname
- Pretty Boy FloydDepression-era bank robber
John Dillinger · Pablo Escobar · Osama bin Laden · Baby Face Nelson · Ma Barker · prohibition · underworld · syndicate
One fleeing authorities
- mobsterOrganized crime member
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- felonSerious crime perpetrator
- gangsterCriminal organization member
mafioso · racketeer · smuggler · bandit · hoodlum · hitman · assassin · narcotrafficker
One fleeing authorities
pursuit · manhunt · investigation · surveillance · FBI · Interpol · stakeout · raid
Persistent source of ruin
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foeHostile opponent
- rivalOne who competes against
opponent · threat · menace · scourge · bane · villain · target · marked man
Source of potential harm
- dangerExposure to harm
- perilSerious threat of harm
- hazardSource of potential harm
- riskPossibility of harm
crisis · alarm · jeopardy · security threat · terrorist · extremist · mastermind · ringleader
Fame from misdeeds
- disgraceLoss of honor
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disreputeDamaged public standing
stigma · ignominy · dishonor · vilification · defamation · opprobrium · odium · disfavor
Al Capone
- Bonnie and ClydeDepression-era outlaw couple
- Jesse JamesInfamous frontier bandit
- ScarfaceCriminal's disfigurement-based nickname
John Dillinger · Pablo Escobar · Osama bin Laden · Pretty Boy Floyd · Baby Face Nelson · Ma Barker · prohibition · underworld · syndicate · godfather
fugitive
One fleeing authorities
gangster · mafioso · racketeer · smuggler · bandit · hoodlum · hitman · assassin · narcotrafficker · bootlegger
fugitive
One fleeing authorities
apprehend · pursuit · manhunt · investigation · surveillance · FBI · Interpol · stakeout · raid · warrant
nemesis
Persistent source of ruin
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foeHostile opponent
rival · opponent · threat · menace · scourge · bane · villain · target · marked man · hunted
menace
Source of potential harm
risk · crisis · alarm · jeopardy · security threat · terrorist · extremist · mastermind · ringleader · instigator
notoriety
Fame from misdeeds
disrepute · stigma · ignominy · dishonor · vilification · defamation · opprobrium · odium · disfavor · discredit
public enemy number onenational hero
Celebrated defender of country
saint · folk hero · national treasure · man of the people · favorite son
public, publicly, publicity, publicize, publics, publication, publish, publisher, publishing