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Paramilitary: meaning, definitions and examples

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paramilitary

 

[ ˌperəˈmɪlɪˌteri ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

militant group

A paramilitary is a group of civilians organized in a military fashion, typically operating in support of a government or political group, and engaging in armed combat or other aggressive activities.

Synonyms

guerrilla, militia, vigilante

Examples of usage

  • Paramilitaries were used to suppress opposition during the conflict.
  • The paramilitary group was heavily armed and dangerous.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to paramilitary forces

Paramilitary is used to describe activities, organizations, or individuals that operate in a military fashion but are not part of the official armed forces.

Synonyms

armed, militant, unofficial

Examples of usage

  • The paramilitary organization conducted covert operations in the region.
  • He was suspected of having paramilitary training.

Translations

Translations of the word "paramilitary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paramilitar

🇮🇳 अर्धसैनिक

🇩🇪 paramilitärisch

🇮🇩 paramiliter

🇺🇦 парамілітарний

🇵🇱 paramilitarny

🇯🇵 準軍事的な

🇫🇷 paramilitaire

🇪🇸 paramilitar

🇹🇷 paramiliter

🇰🇷 준군사적인

🇸🇦 شبه عسكري

🇨🇿 paramilitární

🇸🇰 paramilitárny

🇨🇳 准军事的

🇸🇮 polvojaški

🇮🇸 hernaðareining

🇰🇿 парамилитарлық

🇬🇪 半სამხედრო

🇦🇿 paramilitar

🇲🇽 paramilitar

Word origin

The term 'paramilitary' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'para-' (beside or alongside) with 'military'. It was initially used to refer to auxiliary forces or irregular military units. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of non-state armed groups, often with political or ideological motivations.

See also: militarism, militarized, nonmilitary.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,560, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.