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Militia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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militia

[mɪˈlɪʃə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

armed forces

A militia is a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of need.

Synonyms

citizen army, reserves, volunteers.

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Word Description / Examples
militia

A military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency. Often used when referring to groups that operate independently of government authority, and can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The militia was called in to help restore order during the crisis.
  • Several militia groups have formed in reaction to the government's policies.
citizen army

An army composed of civilian volunteers who can be mobilized during times of need, typically used in a positive sense to reflect the patriotic duty of ordinary citizens.

  • During the war, the citizen army played a crucial role in the defense of the nation.
  • The government relies on the citizen army for support during emergencies.
reserves

Military personnel who are not in active service but can be called upon in times of need. This term is often used in formal or official contexts related to the military structure.

  • The reserves were activated to support the relief efforts after the natural disaster.
  • He served in the reserves while pursuing his civilian career.
volunteers

Individuals who offer their services voluntarily, especially in times of need without expecting financial remuneration. It can be used in various contexts, including but not limited to military ones.

  • A group of volunteers organized to help clean up the community after the flood.
  • During the war, many volunteers joined the ranks to support the military effort.

Examples of usage

  • The local militia was called to respond to the natural disaster.
  • The militia was formed to protect the town from external threats.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In historical terms, militia referred to a body of citizens enrolled for military service, especially in emergency.

Synonyms

armed civilians, military force.

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Word Description / Examples
militia

Refers to a group of civilians trained to act in a military capacity, often in support of a regular army or for local defense.

  • The town relied on the local militia to maintain order during the emergency
military force

Refers to a formally organized and state-sanctioned body of soldiers, typically part of a national army or other official military organization.

  • The military force was deployed to the region to restore peace and order
armed civilians

Describes ordinary people who have taken up arms, usually in an unofficial capacity, and can imply a spontaneous or unorganized nature.

  • The armed civilians gathered to defend their neighborhood from looters

Examples of usage

  • The militia played a crucial role in the country's fight for independence.
  • The militia was mobilized during times of war.

Translations

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

Origin of 'militia'

The word 'militia' originated from the Latin word 'miles', which means soldier. In ancient Rome, the term 'militia' was used to refer to the entire Roman defense forces. Over time, the concept of militia evolved to include citizen soldiers in various countries, especially during times of conflict or emergency. The idea of a militia continues to be relevant in modern times, with some countries maintaining reserve forces composed of civilians for national defense.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,780 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.