enemy of the people

English

Etymology

Calque of Latin hostis publicus (compare public enemy). This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term. What's the origination point and rationale for this collocation?

Noun

enemy of the people (plural enemies of the people)

  1. (typically socialism or communism) A political or class opponent of the subgroup in power within a larger group.

Translations

See also