Paratrooper: meaning, definitions and examples

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paratrooper

 

[ˈpærəˌtruːpər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military

A soldier trained to parachute from an aircraft into battle.

Synonyms

airborne soldier, parachutist, skydiver.

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Word Description / Examples
paratrooper

Typically used in a military context to describe a soldier who is trained to parachute into an operation.

  • The paratrooper was deployed behind enemy lines.
  • Paratroopers are an essential part of rapid deployment forces.
parachutist

Can refer to anyone who parachutes, including military personnel and civilians, typically used in a general sense.

  • The parachutist floated gently to the ground.
  • Parachutists need to check their equipment thoroughly before jumping.
airborne soldier

Refers to soldiers who are trained to be deployed by aircraft and often parachute into areas, often used in a broader military context.

  • The airborne soldiers were ready for their next mission.
  • Training for airborne soldiers involves rigorous physical preparation.
skydiver

Used specifically for individuals who practice parachuting as a sport or recreational activity, not in a military context.

  • The skydiver performed several complex maneuvers in the air.
  • Skydivers must be certified to jump solo.

Examples of usage

  • He is a skilled paratrooper, able to land accurately in any terrain.
  • The paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines to disrupt their communication.
  • She joined the elite group of paratroopers to serve her country.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of airborne troops began in World War I, but it became more prominent during World War II when countries developed large-scale paratrooper units.
  • The term 'paratrooper' was first used during World War II, with the first mass parachute drop occurring on D-Day in 1944.
  • Many countries, including the United States, France, and Germany, developed elite paratrooper divisions that changed warfare tactics significantly.

Military Strategy

  • Paratroopers are often used for rapid deployment to secure strategic objectives behind enemy lines, allowing for surprise attacks.
  • They require extensive training in skydiving, land navigation, and combat skills to be effective in diverse terrains.
  • The precision of air drops has improved significantly with advancements in technology, enabling better landing accuracy and mission success.

Pop Culture

  • Paratroopers have been featured in numerous movies and books, such as 'Band of Brothers' and 'Saving Private Ryan', showcasing their bravery.
  • Video games often portray paratrooper missions, emphasizing tactics and teamwork in challenging scenarios, drawing interest to their role.
  • Their iconic jumps and deployment styles have inspired various works of art and literature, elevating their status in popular culture.

Science and Technology

  • Parachute technology has evolved, with modern designs allowing for controlled descents and more stable landings compared to earlier models.
  • Aerodynamics play a crucial role in parachute design, helping soldiers land safely and reach their intended drop zones with less risk.
  • Studies in human physiology help improve training for paratroopers, focusing on how the body reacts to freefall and landing impacts.

Psychological Aspects

  • Paratrooping requires a strong mindset, as soldiers must overcome fear and anxiety associated with jumping from high altitudes.
  • Team cohesion is vital for paratroopers, as they depend on each other for safety and success during missions.
  • The adrenaline rush of jumping can be both exhilarating and stressful, requiring rigorous psychological preparation and support.

Translations

Translations of the word "paratrooper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paraquedista

🇮🇳 विमान से कूदने वाला सैनिक

🇩🇪 Fallschirmjäger

🇮🇩 prajurit terjun payung

🇺🇦 десантник

🇵🇱 spadochroniarz

🇯🇵 落下傘兵 (らっかさんへい)

🇫🇷 parachutiste

🇪🇸 paracaidista

🇹🇷 paraşütçü

🇰🇷 공수부대원 (空輸部隊員)

🇸🇦 مظلي

🇨🇿 výsadkář

🇸🇰 výsadkár

🇨🇳 伞兵

🇸🇮 padalec

🇮🇸 fallhlífarhermaður

🇰🇿 парашютист

🇬🇪 პარაშუტისტი

🇦🇿 desantçı

🇲🇽 paracaidista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,083, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.