public enemy number one
Originating in the 1930s, the term "public enemy number one" was used by U.S. law enforcement to label the most dangerous criminals, but it now applies more broadly to any major threat to society.
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Definition
C1Law Enforcement
(historical, formal)A person who was once considered the most wanted criminal by federal authorities.
Example
- During the 1930s, Al Capone was labeled as public enemy number one by the FBI.
B2General
(informal, modern)A person or entity seen as the most significant threat or problem to society.
Example
- In recent years, cybercrime has been considered public enemy number one by many governments.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "public enemy number one":