brownshirt

brownshirt — noun

1. a member of a Nazi group, especially one who used threats or violence against po

1.nounC2
Definition

a member of a Nazi group, especially one who used threats or violence against political opponents.

Example

Brownshirts shouted outside the union hall before the evening meeting began.

Brownshirts + political meeting context

A brownshirt pushed past the police line and tore down the poster.

a brownshirt + violent action

Common collocations
  • brownshirt violence
  • brownshirt rally
  • brownshirt march
  • brownshirt guard
Synonyms
  • Nazi

    broader term; brownshirt often suggests a street-level enforcer or rally guard

  • storm trooper

    historical label for the same Nazi paramilitary force

Grammar Patterns

a brownshirt

brownshirts + march/attack/guard

Usage Note

Usually appears in historical discussion of Nazi Germany. Often refers to members who marched, guarded meetings, or attacked political opponents.

Common Mistakes

He wore a brown shirt, so he was a brownshirt.
He was called a brownshirt because he belonged to the Nazi group.
the word names a political member, not just someone wearing a brown shirt.

Etymology

First known use

1932

1932, in the meaning defined above