nemesis

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The Word of the Day for October 1 is:

nemesis   \NEM-uh-siss\   noun
     1 a : one that inflicts retribution or vengeance  *b : a formidable and 
usually victorious rival or opponent
     2 a : an act or effect of retribution  b : a source of harm or ruin : curse

Example sentence:
     The team will be facing their longtime nemesis in the very first round of 
the playoffs.

Did you know?
     Nemesis was the Greek goddess of vengeance, a deity who doled out rewards 
for noble acts and punishment for evil ones. The Greeks believed that Nemesis 
didn't always punish an offender immediately but might wait generations to 
avenge a crime. In English, "nemesis" originally referred to someone who 
brought a just retribution, but nowadays people are more likely to see 
animosity than justice in the actions of a nemesis.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.