VocabDictionary
🇵🇹Portuguese to Englishparamilitar[paramilitar]

paramilitary

/ˌpærəˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.i/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Designating a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, training, subculture, and function are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not officially part of a country's formal armed forces.

Example Sentences:
  • The government deployed paramilitary units to restore order in the border region.
  • Several paramilitary groups operate independently in the disputed territory.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “paramilitary”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'para-' (meaning 'beside', 'alongside', or 'auxiliary to') combined with 'military', originating in the early 20th century to describe forces functioning as an auxiliary to a regular military force.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'PARA' (like parallel) running alongside the regular MILITARY, but not officially part of it.

Frequently Asked Questions About “paramilitary

1. What is the meaning of “paramilitary” in English?

In English, paramilitary (adjective) is defined as: “Designating a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, training, subculture, and function are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not officially part of a country's formal armed forces.”.

2. How do you use “paramilitary” in a sentence?

The government deployed paramilitary units to restore order in the border region.

3. What are English synonyms of “paramilitary”?

Common synonyms include:irregular,auxiliary,quasi-military,militia

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “paramilitary”?

Derived from the prefix 'para-' (meaning 'beside', 'alongside', or 'auxiliary to') combined with 'military', originating in the early 20th century to describe forces functioning as an auxiliary to a regular military force.