paramilitary

/ˌpærəˈmɪlətri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌpærəˈmɪləteri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌper-ə-ˈmi-lə-ˌter-ē ˌpa-rə-/ (ame, mw) · /ˌpær.əˈmɪl.ɪ.tri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌper.əˈmɪl.ə.ter.i/ (ame, ipa)

paramilitary — adjective

  • paramilitarypositive
  • more paramilitarycomparative
  • most paramilitarysuperlative

1. describing a civilian armed group that copies an army's structure and discipline

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing a civilian armed group that copies an army's structure and discipline without belonging to the state's regular lawful forces.

例句

The paramilitary group set up roadblocks outside the mining town at dawn.

paramilitary + group/force/camp

Masked paramilitary fighters guarded the town radio station through the night.

同義詞
  • militarized

    broader; can describe official bodies that adopt military methods

  • irregular

    emphasizes not being part of the regular army, especially in war reporting

  • armed

    much broader; only means carrying weapons, not army-style organization

反義詞
  • military

    describes the regular official armed forces

  • civilian

    not organized for armed combat

文法句型

paramilitary + group/force/camp

be paramilitary

用法筆記

Usually modifies nouns such as group, force, camp, or wing in news and conflict reporting. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is outside the regular armed forces, while sense 2 works with them.

常見錯誤

❌The country's official army is paramilitary.
✅The country's official army is military.
💡'paramilitary' usually describes an unofficial armed group outside the regular forces.

2. linked to the regular military and used to support it, rather than serving as th

2.形容詞C1
釋義

linked to the regular military and used to support it, rather than serving as the main armed force itself.

例句

The paramilitary police sealed the bridge before the army trucks arrived.

paramilitary + police/unit supporting the army

A paramilitary engineering corps cleared the road for the soldiers.

同義詞
  • auxiliary

    emphasizes a supporting role to a main force

  • reserve

    can suggest a backup force inside official structures

  • security

    broader; may describe official forces without military-style organization

反義詞
  • civilian

    not organized to assist the armed forces

  • nonmilitary

    not connected with military work or structure

文法句型

paramilitary + police/unit/corps

be paramilitary and work with + army

用法筆記

Often used for police, border guards, rescue corps, or other state bodies that are organized on military lines and assist the armed forces. Distinguish from sense 1: these units support the regular military instead of operating as separate illegal forces.

常見錯誤

❌The rebel camp was a paramilitary base for the army.
✅The border police are a paramilitary force that supports the army.
💡this sense is for units linked to the regular armed forces, not for independent rebel groups.

paramilitary — noun