Militia

Definition

Militia refers to a military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers, often raised during emergencies or for defense purposes, and not always part of a country's standing army.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /məˈlɪʃə/
• Respelling: muh-LISH-uh (with "muh" as in "sofa," "LISH" as in "wish," and "uh" as in "sofa")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɪˈlɪʃə/
• Respelling: mi-LISH-uh (with "mi" as in "mint," "LISH" as in "wish," and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "militia" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "LISH." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with a slight difference in the vowel sound of the first syllable: "muh-LISH-uh" in American English and "mi-LISH-uh" in British English.

Etymology

The word "militia" is derived from the Latin word "militia," which means "military service," and is related to "miles," meaning "soldier."

Derivatives

• Militiaman
• Militiawoman
• Paramilitary
• Minutemen (referring to American colonial militia)
• Guerrilla (sometimes used for irregular militias)

Synonyms

• Paramilitary
• Reserves
• Home guard

Antonyms

• Regular army
• Professionals
• Standing army

Usage

"Militia" generally refers to a civilian-based defense force, often temporary or part-time, distinct from a nation's regular armed forces.

• The local militia was called up to defend the town from invaders.
• Militias often play a significant role in guerrilla warfare or resistance movements.

Related Terms

• National Guard (in the context of the US)
• Civil defense
• Partisans

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Civilian Force: A group of people, usually civilians, who come together to perform military functions, especially in times of emergency or when a regular army is inadequate or not available. These individuals are not professional soldiers but take on the role for defense or other purposes.‍
• Example: The country's constitution allows for the formation of a militia in times of national crisis.

• Irregular Armed Force: An irregular armed force that may not be recognized as lawful combatants and often operates outside the regular military structure. They might engage in guerrilla warfare, insurrection, or other unconventional tactics.‍
• Example: The rebels formed a militia to fight against the oppressive government.