Paramilitary

Paramilitary

Adjective / Noun · /ˌpær.əˈmɪl.ɪ.t(ə)ri/

Definition

(Adjective) organised similarly to a military force but not part of the official armed forces — a paramilitary organisation, paramilitary training, paramilitary structure. (Noun) a member of a paramilitary organisation; paramilitary forces collectively.

Origin

From para- (beside, alongside, resembling — from Greek para) + military (from Latin militaris, from miles, a soldier). Paramilitary therefore meaning military-like or alongside the military — an organisation structured and operating like a military force but outside the official state military establishment. The term appearing in the twentieth century as irregular armed forces, police auxiliary units, and non-state armed groups became significant features of conflicts and state security systems worldwide.