Civilian: meaning, definitions and examples

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civilian

[ sɪˈvɪljən ]

^{Context #1}

person

A person not in the armed services or the police force.

Synonyms

civilian population, noncombatant

Examples of usage

The civilians were evacuated from the war zone.
The attacker targeted civilians in the crowded market.

^{Context #2}

laws

Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters.

Synonyms

noncombatant, nonmilitary

Examples of usage

Civilian courts handle most legal matters.
Civilian casualties were a major concern during the conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "civilian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 civil

🇮🇳 नागरिक

🇩🇪 Zivilist

🇮🇩 sipil

🇺🇦 цивільний

🇵🇱 cywil

🇯🇵 民間人

🇫🇷 civil

🇪🇸 civil

🇹🇷 sivil

🇰🇷 민간인

🇸🇦 مدني

🇨🇿 civilista

🇸🇰 civil

🇨🇳 平民

🇸🇮 civilist

🇮🇸 borgari

🇰🇿 азаматтық тұлға

🇬🇪 სამოქალაქო პირი

🇦🇿 mülki şəxs

🇲🇽 civil

Word origin

The word 'civilian' originated from the Latin word 'civilis', meaning 'relating to a citizen'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century, referring to someone who is not a member of the clergy or the military. Over time, its usage expanded to include anyone not in the armed forces or the police.