ENGLISH
REFERENCE

guerilla

n.
C1 Advanced US //ɡɝˈɪɫə// UK //ɡɛɹˈɪlɐ// gueril·la Archaic

n. a small group of soldiers or fighters who use quick, surprise attacks to fight a larger, more powerful army. They usually hide in the forest or mountains and strike when the enemy is not ready.

n. a small, mobile group of combatants who use unconventional tactics and surprise to combat a larger, more conventional force. Often used in the plural to refer to the collective strategy of such units.


SIMPLE

The guerilla fighters hid in the hills to avoid the main army.

CONTEXTUAL

During the conflict, the guerilla units focused on destroying supply lines and communication hubs rather than engaging in large battles.

COMPLEX

The historian argues that the success of the guerilla campaign was largely due to the local population's deep knowledge of the terrain and their ability to blend into the environment.

Synonyms
Origin

Compare French guérilla and German Guerilla.

© 2026 English Reference