Imaginary enemy

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An imaginary enemy, the opposite of an imaginary friend, is a made-up enemy, an unfriendly adversory person, animal, character or organisation that is created in the minds of some people.

Often a child's imaginary friend can become an imaginary enemy, as the child grows out of this particular phase. Often it is mentally easier for the child to simply begin hating their imaginary friend than to just forget it. It is suggested that this is how split personalities can develop.

In the military an imaginary enemy is one whose position and force are merely assumed. Visible enemies are labeled respectively outlined enemies and represented enemies.

Having imaginary enemies at an advanced age should be looked at by a proper psychologist, as it may be a mental or drug-related problem.