nemesis

[ˈnɛmɪsɪs]
nounfemininepl: nemeses
némesis
1. A long-standing rival or archenemy; someone who is particularly successful at defeating or frustrating another person
Batman's nemesis is the Joker.
A némesis do Batman é o Coringa.
2. A person's worst enemy or a source of their downfall
Procrastination has been his nemesis throughout his career.
A procrastinação tem sido sua némesis ao longo de sua carreira.
3. An agent or force of retribution; punishment or fate that someone cannot escape
The nemesis of the villain finally caught up with him.
A némesis do vilão finalmente o alcançou.
4. In Greek mythology, the goddess of retribution and vengeance
Nemesis was worshipped in ancient Greece as a divine force.
Némesis era adorada na Grécia antiga como uma força divina.
The word 'nemesis' is widely used in both American and Brazilian popular culture, particularly in comic books, superhero narratives, and storytelling. In Brazil, the term has been adopted into Portuguese vocabulary and is commonly used in entertainment media, sports commentary, and literary contexts. It carries literary and dramatic weight, often implying an inevitable or fated conflict rather than a simple disagreement.
NYC Slang
arch-nemesis, sworn enemy
Synonyms / Sinônimos
archenemyrivalantagonistenemyadversaryopponent
Antonyms / Antônimos
allyfriendsupporterchampion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
némesis
Standard term used in contemporary Portuguese, especially in media and literature
Rio de Janeiro
némesis / inimigo mortal
May also use 'inimigo mortal' (mortal enemy) in colloquial speech
São Paulo
némesis / rival
Often substituted with 'rival' in business and professional contexts
Portugal
némesis
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; the term is widely recognized in contemporary Portuguese

Related Words

vengeanceretributionkarmadownfallfatedestiny

Related Idioms & Phrases

meet one's nemesis - encontrar sua némesis
prove to be someone's nemesis - provar ser a némesis de alguém
face one's nemesis - enfrentar sua némesis
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