Word Meaning
दुश्मन
dushman
Meaning
An enemy, adversary, or foe; someone hostile toward another.
Detailed Meaning
The term 'dushman' denotes an enemy, adversary, or antagonist. In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently characterizes the beloved who shows harshness or cold detachment to the lover, or the rival (raqīb). In this couplet, it describes the beloved becoming so profoundly antagonistic toward faithful lovers that she refuses even to grant them the torment of her cruelty.
Etymology
From Persian 'dushman' (دشمن), meaning enemy or adversary.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal, the beloved is often addressed reproachfully as a 'dushman' when their cold indifference exceeds mere coyness.
Examples
To treat the devoted lover as an enemy has become your habit.
Even a bitter enemy would shed tears seeing this affliction.