noun
Uncommon
paramilitary
pa-ruh-MIH-lih-tree
Paramilitary (noun) means an organized group structured and equipped like a military force but not officially part of a country's armed forces. Example: “Paramilitary groups controlled several checkpoints in the region.”
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."
"From the start of its operations in Colombia, the company was on guard against the decadeslong civil strife in the country between left-wing guerrilla and right-wing paramilitary groups, witnesses have testified."
— Kyle Whitmire, Suit in U.S. Over Murders in Colombia (2007)
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- paramilitaries
Fill the gap
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_____ groups controlled several checkpoints in the region.
Etymology
From para- + military.
Synonyms
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paramilitary unit
paramilitary force
paramilitary organization
paramilitary organisation
Rhymes for paramilitary
See all rhymes for paramilitary →Frequently asked questions
What does “paramilitary” mean?
The word “paramilitary” means an organized group structured and equipped like a military force but not officially part of a country's armed forces. In plain terms, a group organized like an army but outside official government military forces, or an adjective describing that style.
How do you pronounce “paramilitary”?
“Paramilitary” is pronounced pa-ruh-MIH-lih-tree (/ˌpæɹəˈmɪlɪˌtɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “paramilitary” in a sentence?
Here is “paramilitary” used in a sentence: “Paramilitary groups controlled several checkpoints in the region.”
What part of speech is “paramilitary”?
Depending on how it is used, “paramilitary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “paramilitary” a common word?
“Paramilitary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paramilitary” have?
“Paramilitary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organized group structured and equipped like a military force but not officially part of a country's armed forces.
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