militia Definition
- 1a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency
- 2all able-bodied civilians eligible by law for military service
Using militia: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "militia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government called up the militia to help fight the rebels.
Example
The town formed a militia to defend itself against bandits.
Example
All men between 18 and 45 are members of the local militia.
militia Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for militia
- volunteer army
- citizen army
- reserves
- auxiliary troops
Phrases with militia
well-regulated militia
a militia that is properly trained, equipped, and organized according to military standards
Example
The Second Amendment of the US Constitution mentions the right to bear arms in the context of a well-regulated militia.
a political movement in the US that advocates the formation of private militias to resist perceived threats to individual liberties and constitutional rights
Example
The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 was carried out by individuals associated with the militia movement.
a group of individuals who organize themselves as a military force outside the official channels of government
Example
The FBI arrested several members of a militia group who were planning to kidnap the governor.
Origins of militia
from Latin 'miles', meaning 'soldier'
Summary: militia in Brief
'Militia' [mɪˈlɪʃə] refers to a military force composed of able-bodied civilians who can be called upon in times of emergency. It can also refer to all eligible civilians for military service. Examples include 'The government called up the militia to help fight the rebels.' and 'All men between 18 and 45 are members of the local militia.' The term extends into phrases like 'well-regulated militia,' and 'militia group,' referring to political movements or groups that advocate the formation of private militias.
