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Brigade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brigade

[brɪˈɡeɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military

A group of soldiers organized to perform a specific task or mission.

Synonyms

battalion, detachment, unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brigade

An organized and larger military unit typically commanded by a brigadier general, consisting of several battalions.

  • The brigade was deployed to the front lines
  • The general inspected the entire brigade
unit

A general term for any single military entity capable of independent operation, which can vary in size.

  • The unit received orders for the next mission
  • Each unit must be ready for rapid deployment
detachment

A smaller segment of a larger military force sent on a specific mission or to occupy a specific area.

  • A detachment was sent to investigate the situation
  • The detachment moved out at dawn
battalion

A mid-sized military unit made up of several companies, and usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel.

  • Each battalion has its own unique insignia
  • The battalion was tasked with securing the area

Examples of usage

  • The infantry brigade was sent to the front lines.
  • The artillery brigade provided cover fire for the advancing troops.
Context #2 | Noun

firefighting

A group of firefighters working together to combat fires or other emergencies.

Synonyms

crew, squad, team.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brigade

Use 'brigade' when referring to a large military unit or a group organized for a specific task, especially in a formal or official context.

  • The fire brigade arrived quickly to extinguish the blaze.
  • He served in an infantry brigade during the war.
team

'Team' is the most general term and can refer to any group of people working together toward a common goal, particularly in sports, business, or project work.

  • Our team is working on a new project this quarter.
  • She joined the basketball team in high school.
squad

The term 'squad' is often used to refer to a small group of people working together within a larger organization, and is frequently used in military, police, or sports contexts.

  • The SWAT squad was dispatched to handle the situation.
  • He was promoted to lead the defense squad.
crew

'Crew' is commonly used to describe a group of people working together, particularly on a ship, aircraft, or in filmmaking.

  • The ship's crew worked tirelessly through the night.
  • The film crew arrived early to set up the equipment.

Examples of usage

  • The brigade quickly extinguished the blaze in the building.
  • The rescue brigade saved several people trapped in the flood.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To form or unite as a group for a common purpose or cause.

Synonyms

assemble, gather, muster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brigade

Typically used to describe a large group of people, especially a military unit or a specific organization. It can sometimes have a playful or sarcastic tone when referring to non-military groups.

  • The fire brigade arrived quickly to put out the flames
  • A brigade of volunteers helped clean up the park
assemble

Used when people or things need to come together, especially for a formal purpose or event.

  • The students will assemble in the auditorium for the meeting
  • The parts were quickly assembled into a final product
muster

Often used in a military context, referring to collecting or assembling troops. Can also mean gathering up courage or resources.

  • The commander ordered the troops to muster at dawn
  • She mustered all her courage to give the speech
gather

Used when people or things are brought together for a casual or informal purpose.

  • The family will gather for a reunion this weekend
  • Crowds began to gather in the town square

Examples of usage

  • The community brigaded together to support the local charity event.
  • The volunteers brigaded to clean up the park.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • In the military, a brigade typically consists of several battalions, allowing for coordinated larger operations.
  • The concept first appeared in the Revolutionary War, where brigades were used to enhance troop organization.
  • Famous figures, like General Philip Sheridan, led brigades during the American Civil War, demonstrating their importance in battle.

Pop Culture

  • The word is commonly found in the titles of films, books, and video games emphasizing teamwork, such as 'Suicide Squad' or 'Fire Brigade.'
  • The term has been adopted in sports, with teams often calling themselves 'the brigade' to signify unity.
  • In social movements, groups often refer to themselves as brigades to showcase their organized efforts toward change.

Community and Social Organizations

  • Many volunteer organizations use the term 'brigade' to describe teams that focus on community service or disaster response.
  • Fire brigades are specially trained groups that respond to emergencies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in saving lives.
  • In outdoor activities, brigades are formed for environmental cleanup, showcasing community spirit and cooperation.

Psychology

  • Working in a brigade can enhance motivation through social support and shared goals, offering a sense of belonging.
  • Group dynamics studied within brigades show that people often perform better as part of a team, known as social facilitation.
  • Having a support system in a brigade can alleviate stress, giving members a feeling of camaraderie and safety.

Origin of 'brigade'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'brigade,' which means a troop or a group.
  • It was used in Italian as 'brigata,' meaning a group or gang, describing a cohort of people.
  • The term started to be used in military contexts in the 17th century.

The word 'brigade' originated from the Italian word 'brigata', which means 'troop' or 'company'. It was first used in English in the late 17th century to refer to a military formation. Over time, the term expanded to include other organized groups, such as firefighting brigades. The concept of brigades has evolved to represent teamwork, coordination, and collective effort in various fields beyond the military.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,624 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.