ENGLISH
REFERENCE

extraction

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛkˈstɹækʃən// UK //ɛkstɹˈækʃən// ex·trac·tion

n. the act of removing something from a place, often with force or effort. In a military context, it means getting people out of a dangerous area to safety.

n. the process of removing something from a specific location or source. In military and security contexts, it refers to the tactical removal of personnel from a hostile or inaccessible environment.


SIMPLE

The extraction of the injured soldiers took two hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The special forces team planned a midnight extraction to rescue the hostages from the remote mountain camp.

COMPLEX

Successful extraction requires precise coordination between ground units and air support to ensure the safety of the team while operating under heavy fire in enemy territory.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French estraction, from Medieval Latin extractio.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific mission or instance.

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