nemesis

== English == === Etymology === From the Greek goddess of retribution Nemesis (Ancient Greek Νέμεσις (Némesis)). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈnɛməsɪs/ === Noun === nemesis (plural nemeses) An enemy, especially an archenemy. A person or character who specifically brings about the downfall of another person or character, as an agent of that character's fate or destiny, especially within a narrative. The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy. Polar opposite, especially of a literary character. The principle of retributive justice. (usually in the singular, formal) A punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided; (an instance of) retribution. ==== Coordinate terms ==== (archenemy): antagonist, villain, rival, bane, archenemy, adversary ==== Derived terms ==== archnemesis chocolate nemesis fremesis nemetic kismesis ==== Translations ==== === References === “nemesis”, in OneLook Dictionary Search. William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin E[li] Smith, editors (1911), “nemesis”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC. === Anagrams === Messine, Semiens, Meissen, Siemens, misseen, siemens, Siemsen == Latin == === Pronunciation === (Classical Latin) IPA(key): [ˈnɛ.mɛ.sɪs] (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): [ˈnɛː.me.s̬is] === Noun === nemesis f (genitive nemesis or nemeseōs or nemesios); third declension nemesis ==== Declension ==== Third-declension noun (Greek-type, i-stem). 1Found sometimes in Medieval and New Latin. ==== Descendants ==== Italian: nemesi Swedish: nemesis