<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

A nemesis is an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.

In adventure stories, a nemesis can also be an enemy or foe.

A hero's "nemesis" could be one who can destroy that hero.

A nemesis is one that inflicts retribution or vengeance. A hero can also be said to be the nemesis of a villain.

A nemesis can also be a source of ruin or harm. While the the opponent that beats you can be said to be your nemesis, it does not always have to be a person. Your nemesis can be a quality, like a lack of trust, a fear of heights, or a loss of confidence. It can be a particular situation, like public speaking. It can also be an inanimate object. Kryptonite can be said to be Superman's nemesis.

Your most implacable enemy is said to be your arch nemesis.

Related Terms and Articles

• Vulnerability: something to which a character has a particular weakness
• Arch nemesis: A hero's number one foe, the one most likely to be able to defeat the hero