Infantryman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👨‍✈️

Add to dictionary

infantryman

[ˈɪnfəntriˌman ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military

A soldier serving in an army's infantry, especially a foot soldier.

Synonyms

foot soldier, grunt, trooper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infantryman	Used in formal and official contexts to refer to a soldier who fights on foot in an army. The infantryman advanced towards the enemy lines. He served as an infantryman during his time in the military.
foot soldier	Commonly used to describe soldiers who fight on foot, often highlighting the basic and frontline role. Can be used in a more poetic or historical sense. Foot soldiers formed the backbone of the medieval army. In many armies, foot soldiers are crucial for ground operations.
grunt	Slang term with a somewhat negative connotation, often used informally to describe a low-ranking or basic infantry soldier. The grunts were sent in to clear the area first. As a grunt, he had to follow orders without question.
trooper	Can refer to a member of certain military units, such as cavalry or armor, but also used in a more general sense for any soldier. Sometimes implies endurance and reliability. The trooper stayed calm under pressure. He was a brave trooper who never backed down from a fight.

Examples of usage

The infantryman marched for miles with heavy gear on his back.
The infantryman took cover behind a tree during the battle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

The role of infantry has been crucial in many historical wars, acting as the backbone of armies from ancient times to modern battlefields.
Trench warfare during World War I showcased the importance of infantry tactics, as soldiers fought in close quarters and sometimes used tactics like 'over the top' to charge enemy lines.

Modern Warfare

Today, infantrymen often use advanced technology and weaponry, including drones and automatic firearms, enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Modern armies employ specialized infantry units like paratroopers and marines, who are trained for unique combat situations and rapid deployment.

Training and Strategy

Infantry training often includes physical fitness, marksmanship, and tactics for close combat and urban warfare to prepare soldiers for a variety of combat scenarios.
Successful infantry strategies involve teamwork and communication, emphasizing the importance of each soldier's role in accomplishing missions.

Cultural Representation

Infantrymen have been depicted in numerous films, books, and video games, often representing bravery and sacrifice in defense of their homeland.
Many nations honor their infantry veterans with medals and ceremonies, celebrating their contributions and sacrifices made during conflicts.

Origin of 'infantryman'

Main points about word origin

The word 'infantry' comes from the Latin 'infans', meaning 'young child', reflecting the origin related to young soldiers or foot soldiers.
In the 15th century, the term began to refer specifically to foot soldiers, distinguishing them from cavalry units who fought on horseback.

The term 'infantryman' dates back to the 1830s, derived from 'infantry', the branch of an army composed of soldiers who fight on foot. Infantrymen have played a crucial role in warfare throughout history, often forming the backbone of military forces.