noun
paramilitary
pa-ruh-MIH-lih-tree
noun
1
An organized group structured and equipped like a military force but not officially part of a country's armed forces.
"Paramilitary groups controlled several checkpoints in the region."
adj
1
Organized or operating in a military style, without being an official military force.
"The rebels received paramilitary training in the mountains."
How to Use Paramilitary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group organized like an army but outside official government military forces, or an adjective describing that style.
Common pairings
paramilitary group
paramilitary training
Word Forms
paramilitaries plural
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_____ groups controlled several checkpoints in the region.
Etymology
From para- + military.