mercenary
n. countablen. a professional soldier who is paid to fight for a foreign country or group. They work for money rather than for political or personal beliefs.
n. a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. Motivated primarily by financial gain rather than political allegiance or national duty.
The king hired mercenaries to help defend the city.
During the conflict, the government relied on highly trained mercenaries to secure the remote oil fields.
The use of private mercenaries in modern warfare raises complex legal questions regarding accountability and the adherence to international humanitarian laws during armed conflicts.
From Middle English mercenarye (“someone paid to work, hireling”), from Latin mercēnārius (“hired for money”), from mercēs (“reward, wages, price”).
Often carries a negative connotation of greed or lack of loyalty.