# paramilitary

/ˌpɛɹəˈmɪɫəˌtɛɹi/ (US) · /pˈæɹəmˌɪlɪtəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paramilitary
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a group of people who are organized like an army but are not part of a country's official military. They often use weapons and follow a strict chain of command.

For teachers: an organized group of armed individuals whose structure, training, and function resemble those of a professional military, but who lack official state status. Often associated with political movements or insurgencies.

## Examples

- The paramilitary group patrolled the border.
- Following the collapse of the central government, several paramilitary units formed to protect local neighborhoods from looters.
- The peace treaty required all paramilitary organizations to surrender their heavy weaponry and integrate their members into the national police force to ensure long-term stability.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural to refer to the members of such a group or the groups themselves.

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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.