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Guerilla: meaning, definitions and examples

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guerilla

 

[ ɡəˈrɪlə ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

military tactics

Guerrilla refers to a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces. Guerrilla tactics often involve ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks, emphasizing mobility and surprise.

Synonyms

insurgent, partisan, rebel

Examples of usage

  • The guerrilla fighters launched a surprise attack on the government troops.
  • Guerrilla warfare has been a crucial strategy in various revolutionary movements.
  • The region has seen an increase in guerrilla activity over the past years.
Context #2 | Adjective

military strategy

Guerrilla can also describe actions or strategies associated with guerrilla fighters, emphasizing unconventional warfare that targets larger military forces. This form of warfare is characterized by its reliance on agility and low-cost operations.

Synonyms

asymmetrical, insurgent, irregular

Examples of usage

  • They adopted guerrilla tactics to outmaneuver the enemy.
  • The guerrilla campaign proved successful in weakening their opponent.
  • Her guerrilla marketing strategies helped the small business gain traction.

Translations

Translations of the word "guerilla" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guerrilha

🇮🇳 गैर-परंपरागत युद्ध

🇩🇪 Guerilla

🇮🇩 gerilya

🇺🇦 партизан

🇵🇱 guerrilla

🇯🇵 ゲリラ

🇫🇷 guérilla

🇪🇸 guerrilla

🇹🇷 gerilla

🇰🇷 게릴라

🇸🇦 حرب العصابات

🇨🇿 gerila

🇸🇰 gerila

🇨🇳 游击队

🇸🇮 gerila

🇮🇸 guerilla

🇰🇿 партизан

🇬🇪 გერის ბრძოლა

🇦🇿 partizan

🇲🇽 guerrilla

Etymology

The term 'guerrilla' originates from the Spanish word 'guerra', meaning 'war', and the diminutive form 'guerrilla', which translates to 'little war'. It first gained prominence during the Peninsular War (1808-1814) when Spanish irregular fighters used unconventional tactics to fight against Napoleon's forces. The concept was revived in various contexts throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where revolutionary groups employed guerrilla tactics to challenge established governments or colonial powers. The tactic has evolved over time, adapting to different geopolitical landscapes, and remains a significant aspect of modern asymmetric warfare.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,406, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.