paramilitary

adjective

para·​mil·​i·​tary ˌper-ə-ˈmi-lə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce paramilitary (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
: of, relating to, being, or characteristic of a force formed on a military pattern especially as a potential auxiliary military force
a paramilitary border patrol
paramilitary training
paramilitary noun

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This term paramilitary can take in a wide range of organizations, but is usually applied to forces formed by a government. Groups opposing a government, even when organized along military lines, are more often referred to as guerrillas or insurgents. In countries with weak central governments (such as, in recent times, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, or Congo), warlords may form their own paramilitary forces and take over all local police and military functions. Paramilitary often has a sinister sound today, since it's also applied to groups of off-duty military or police personnel who carry out illegal violence, often at night, with the quiet support of a government.

Examples of paramilitary in a Sentence

Government forces have been attacked by heavily armed paramilitary groups in several villages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Ku Klux Klan and other white terror groups acted as a paramilitary arm of the Democratic Party, intent on driving the Republican Party out of Southern politics. Time, 5 Sep. 2025 There’s an ancient clan led by the protagonist, Joe Musashi, who’s thrust up against an evil paramilitary corporation and supernatural entities. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 The Jebel Marra region has seen a surge in population in recent months, as thousands fled a prolonged siege on Darfur's historic capital, El Fasher, by paramilitary forces at war with Sudan's army. Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 People fleeing clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF in North Darfur state had sought shelter in the Marra Mountains, and food and medication were in short supply, the Reuters news agency reported. Robert Birsel john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paramilitary

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paramilitary was in 1935

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Cite this Entry

“Paramilitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paramilitary. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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