# patriot

/ˈpeɪtɹiət/ (US) · /pˈætɹɪət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patriot
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. loyal citizen

noun · CEFR B2

someone who loves their country and feels very loyal to it.

For teachers: a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

- He considered himself a true patriot and always flew the national flag in his garden.
- The politician's speech appealed to the audience's sense of duty, calling on every patriot to contribute to the national recovery effort.

### 2. American Revolution

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a person who supported American independence from Britain in the 1700s.

For teachers: a colonist who supported the American Revolution against British rule during the late 18th century.

- The patriots fought several difficult battles before winning independence from the British.
- Historical accounts often contrast the motivations of the New England patriots with those of the loyalists who remained faithful to the Crown.

### 3. missile system

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of powerful missile used to shoot down planes or other missiles.

For teachers: a sophisticated surface-to-air missile system designed for long-range interception of aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles.

- The military deployed a patriot battery to protect the city from air attacks.
- The deployment of the Patriot missile defense system provided a significant strategic advantage during the initial stages of the conflict.

Usage: Often capitalized as 'Patriot' when referring to the specific system.

## Examples

- He is a true patriot who always flies the national flag.
- During the national crisis, many citizens acted as patriots by volunteering for community service and supporting local businesses.
- The biography explores how he evolved from a quiet academic into a vocal patriot, eventually risking his life to protect the democratic institutions of his homeland.

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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.