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Definition of nemesis


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nem·e·sis  audio  (nm-ss) KEY  

NOUN:
pl. nem·e·ses   (-sz) KEY  
  1. A source of harm or ruin: Uncritical trust is my nemesis.
  2. Retributive justice in its execution or outcome: To follow the proposed course of action is to invite nemesis.
  3. An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome.
  4. One that inflicts retribution or vengeance.
  5. Nemesis Greek Mythology The goddess of retributive justice or vengeance.

ETYMOLOGY:
Greek, retribution, the goddess Nemesis, from nemein, to allot; see nem- in Indo-European roots


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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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