# combatant

/kəmˈbætənt/ (US) · /kˈɒmbætənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/combatant
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.