nemesis

Meaning

1. An enemy, especially an archenemy.
2. 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.
3. The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy.
4. Polar opposite, especially of a literary character.
5. The principle of retributive justice.
6. A punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided; (an instance of) retribution.

Synonyms

retribution

bane

curse

archenemy

jinx

penalisation

penalty

punishment

requital

retaliation

scourge

vengeance

judgement

judgment

chastening

penalization

revenge

rugby union

quittance

repayment

reprisal

sentence

destiny

discipline

doom

fate

hex

hoodoo

infliction

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈnɛməsɪs/

Etymology

From the Greek goddess of retribution Nemesis.