Word
combatant
Phoneticscom·bat·ant, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈbætənt/
UK/kˈɒmbætənt/
Definition
n. a person who takes part in a fight or war. You use this word to describe someone who is actively involved in a battle, whether as a soldier or a fighter.
n. a person who participates in a fight or war. Often used in legal or military contexts to distinguish active participants from civilians.
Examples
“The combatant was treated as a prisoner of war.”
“International law requires that all combatants be treated humanely, regardless of their side in the conflict.”
“The treaty sought to ensure that non-combatants were protected from the direct effects of the conflict, though enforcement remained a significant challenge for the peacekeeping forces.”
Examples
simple
“The combatant was treated as a prisoner of war.”
contextual
“International law requires that all combatants be treated humanely, regardless of their side in the conflict.”
complex
“The treaty sought to ensure that non-combatants were protected from the direct effects of the conflict, though enforcement remained a significant challenge for the peacekeeping forces.”
Real-World Examples
“Demobilised former combatants are actively joining the fight against Ebola by participating in public information campaigns in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).” “The total number of deaths, including combatants, is estimated at 300,000.” Etymology
Inherited from late Middle English combataunt, from Middle French combatant. By surface analysis, combat + -ant. Doublet of combattant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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