Dragooned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
dragooned
[drษหษกuหnd ]
Definition
military force
The term 'dragooned' refers to the act of coercing someone into military service, often against their will. It originates from the historical use of dragoons, who were mounted infantry soldiers known for their forceful recruitment tactics. This practice is primarily associated with the 17th and 18th centuries when military recruits were often forcibly enlisted.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was dragooned into the army during the war.
- Many young men were dragooned against their will.
- The village was dragooned by the invading forces.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- During the 18th century, soldiers known as dragoons were often dispatched to enforce law and order, including conscripting unwilling recruits.
- In colonial America, the dragooning of militia members was common practice during conflicts, signifying the urgency and difficulty of mobilizing forces.
Pop Culture
- The concept of being dragooned often appears in literature, depicting characters who are reluctantly thrust into battles or adventures, such as in fantasy novels.
- Films about war or revolution frequently depict the idea of characters being dragooned, emphasizing the emotional struggle of being compelled to fight.
Psychology
- Being dragooned can lead to feelings of resentment and rebellion, as individuals resist being forced into situations against their will.
- The psychological impact of dragooning can result in stress and conflict, particularly if individuals feel their autonomy is compromised.
Military Terminology
- In modern contexts, the term can refer to the forcible drafting of soldiers, especially during wartime when voluntary enlistment is insufficient.
- It reflects broader themes of conscription and coercion that are prevalent in military operations throughout history.
Origin of 'dragooned'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from 'dragoon', a type of mounted soldier in 17th-century France, who often forced people to serve in the military.
- Dragooning originally referred to the practice of using threats or violence to enlist soldiers, highlighting the coercive nature of the act.
The word 'dragoon' dates back to the late 16th century and is derived from a type of horse soldier who was originally a mounted infantryman. The term comes from the French word 'dragon', which referred to a type of firearm used by these troops. As the dragoons became established within military ranks, the term evolved to encompass not just the soldiers themselves but also the often brutal methods they employed to recruit men into service. This led to the verb 'to dragoon' meaning to force someone into joining the military, which was especially prevalent during wartime, when armies found it necessary to bolster their ranks through any means necessary. The practice of dragooning was notable in various conflicts where manpower shortages were a critical issue.