paramilitary

Everyday

1. adjective: Organised like an army, but not part of a country's official army. tree →
2. noun: A group like this, or a member of it. tree →

In the lessons

In history and news, paramilitary groups have fought in places such as Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and in many wars; some police forces also have paramilitary units. The word warns that armed people are acting outside the normal army.

Examples

• Paramilitary groups fought during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. tree →
• The police sent in a paramilitary unit. tree →
• The news reported attacks by paramilitaries. tree →
• They wore paramilitary uniforms but were not soldiers. tree →
• Peace agreements asked paramilitaries to give up their weapons. tree →
• The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 helped bring peace in Northern Ireland. tree →

Note

Adjective and countable noun (paramilitaries). "Para-" here means "alongside" or "like". It is a serious news word; it is not the same as "paratrooper" (a soldier who jumps by parachute).