Word Meaning
दुश्मनों
dushmanon
Meaning
Enemies, adversaries, or hostile rivals (plural oblique form).
Detailed Meaning
This is the plural oblique form of the Persian-origin word 'dushman' (enemy). In Urdu poetry, it frequently denotes personal rivals, hostile ill-wishers, or the rivals ('raqib') competing for the beloved's affection. In the quoted couplet, it represents the adversaries with whom dark fate was engaged in struggle all night.
Etymology
From Persian 'dushman' (دشمن), meaning enemy or foe, inflected with the Hindustani plural oblique suffix '-on' (-وں).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, 'dushman' often serves as a poignant foil to the beloved or friend, sometimes subtly alluding to rival suitors ('raqib').
Examples
Fear not the deceit of enemies, but beware the indifference of friends.
He spent the night defending his honor against enemies.