regiment
n. · v.-
1 military unit (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Militarya large group of soldiers that is part of a bigger army.
a permanent unit of an army, typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies or battalions.
ExampleHis grandfather served in a famous cavalry regiment during the war.
ExampleThe regiment was deployed to the border following a series of diplomatic failures, marking the first time the unit had seen active service in a decade.
-
2 rule or government (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaican old word for the way a country or person is ruled.
the act or power of governing; authority or rule over a jurisdiction.
ExampleThe old books describe the queen's long and peaceful regiment over the islands.
ExampleIn his political treatise, the philosopher argued that a just regiment must balance the needs of the individual against the stability of the state.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 to organize strictly (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto organize people or things into a very strict, almost military system.
to organize according to a strict system or pattern, often implying a loss of individual freedom.
ExampleThe school day was heavily regimented, with every minute planned for the students.
ExampleCritics argued that the new corporate policy would regiment the creative staff to the point where innovation became impossible.
UsageOften used in the passive voice to describe a controlled environment.
- systematize
- order
- discipline
- disorganize
- muddle
-
4 to form a military unit (v.) C1 Advanced Formal Militaryto organize soldiers into a formal army group.
to form or organize soldiers into a regiment or similar military body.
ExampleThe volunteers were quickly regimented and sent to the front lines.
ExampleThe general sought to regiment the disparate local militias into a cohesive fighting force capable of sustained operations.
From Middle French regement, régiment, and its source, Late Latin regimentum (“direction for government; course of medical treatment”), from Latin regō (“rule”).