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Public enemy
"Public enemy" is a term to denounce a notorious criminal whose activities are seen as extremely damaging to society. A notable declared public enemy was Al Capone in the 1930s. Origin and usageThe expression is a translation of the ancient Roman phrase hostis publicus; for example, the Senate denounced emperor Nero as a hostis publicus in AD 68. The phrase is attested in the 17th century in the United Kingdom. The phrase ennemi du peuple was extensively used during the French Revolution.
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