nemesis

The word 'nemesis' entered English in the late 16th century, directly from the Greek goddess Νέμεσις (Nemesis), the personification of divine retribution and righteous indignation against hubris. Her name derives from the Greek verb νέμειν (nemein), which carries the core meaning of "to allot, distribute, or give what is due." This concept of just distribution evolved specifically into the idea of distributing vengeance or fate. Thus, the literal sense of "one who distributes what is due" transformed into the modern abstract meanings of an inescapable agent of downfall or a formidable and unbeatable rival, embodying the concept of poetic justice.

Structure: nemes (to give what is due) + is (noun suffix) 'nemes' originates from Greek νέμειν (nemein), meaning "to give what is due, to distribute." The suffix '-is' is a Greek noun-forming suffix.