Infantry: meaning, definitions and examples

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infantry

 

[ ˈɪn.fən.tri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military forces

Infantry refers to soldiers who fight on foot, and they are a key component of ground warfare. They are often responsible for engaging the enemy and seizing control of terrain. The term can also denote a branch of the military specializing in ground combat, typically equipped with light weaponry. Historically, infantry units have played crucial roles in various conflicts and continue to form the backbone of many armed forces around the world.

Synonyms

foot soldiers, ground troops, soldiers, troops

Examples of usage

  • The infantry advanced under heavy fire.
  • He served in the infantry during the war.
  • The infantry is often deployed for ground operations.
  • Training is essential for all infantry soldiers.

Translations

Translations of the word "infantry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infantaria

🇮🇳 पैदल सेना

🇩🇪 Infanterie

🇮🇩 infanteri

🇺🇦 піхота

🇵🇱 piechota

🇯🇵 歩兵

🇫🇷 infanterie

🇪🇸 infantería

🇹🇷 piyade

🇰🇷 보병

🇸🇦 المشاة

🇨🇿 infanterie

🇸🇰 pechota

🇨🇳 步兵

🇸🇮 pehota

🇮🇸 fótgöngulið

🇰🇿 жаяу әскер

🇬🇪 ფეხის ჯარი

🇦🇿 piyada

🇲🇽 infantería

Etymology

The word 'infantry' has its roots in the Latin word 'infans', which means 'infant' or 'young one.' This term dates back to the late Middle Ages, where it was used in Europe to designate foot soldiers, particularly the young troops who were not mounted. As warfare evolved, the role of infantry became more defined, distinguishing them from cavalry and other military divisions. By the 16th century, the term 'infantry' was being widely adopted in military contexts to refer to soldiers who engage in close combat on foot. Over the centuries, infantry units have adapted to various combat scenarios, becoming essential in modern warfare. Today, the infantry remains a vital aspect of military operations, equipped with diverse weaponry and training to address a wide range of combat situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,365 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.