combatant

Everyday

1. A person, army or country that takes part in fighting in a war or battle. tree →
2. A person who takes part in a fight, argument or contest. tree →

In the lessons

In history: combatants in a war; non-combatants are people who are not fighting, such as doctors or civilians. Formal and news language. Phrases: enemy combatant, non-combatant.

Examples

• Both combatants were tired after the long battle. tree →
• The rules of war protect people who are not combatants. tree →
• Nurses were non-combatants in the war. tree →
• The two combatants shook hands after the boxing match. tree →
• The countries that were combatants signed a peace treaty. tree →
• Each combatant had a shield. tree →
• Even women and children were to be found among the combatants. tree →

Note

Stress: KOM-buh-tunt or kum-BAT-unt. Formal word; everyday: fighter. Opposite: non-combatant, civilian.