patriot

[ pey-tree-uht, -otor, especially British, pa-tree-uht ]

noun

1. a person who loves, supports, and defends their country and its interests with devotion.
2. a person who values individual rights, especially one who attempts to defend those rights against presumed interference by the federal government.
3. Patriot, Military. a U.S. Army antiaircraft missile with a range of 37 miles (60 kilometers) and a 200-pound (90-kilogram) warhead, launched from a tracked vehicle with radar and computer guidance and fire control.

patriot

¹

/ ˈpeɪtrɪət; ˌpætrɪˈɒtɪk; ˈpæt- /

noun

1. a person who vigorously supports his country and its way of life

Patriot

²

/ ˈpeɪtrɪət /

noun

1. a US surface-to-air missile system with multiple launch stations and the capability to track multiple targets by radar

Derived Forms

• ˌpatriˈotically, adverb
• patriotic, adjective

Other Words From

• anti·patri·ot noun
• semi·patri·ot noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriot¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French patriote, from Late Latin patriōta, from Greek patriṓtēs “fellow-countryman, lineage member (in the paternal line)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriot¹

C16: via French from Late Latin patriōta, from Greek patriotēs, from patris native land; related to Greek patēr father; compare Latin pater father, patria fatherland

Example Sentences

She followed up in the debate with hard shots at Trump’s credentials as a patriot and a protector, saying that Putin would eat his lunch and military leaders said Trump was a disgrace.

From Salon

It's a drum he beats repeatedly, arguing that "patriots" — meaning, of course, white men — are unwilling to serve lest they be exposed to "CRT, DEI nonsense, all the gender nonsense."

From Salon

On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly said he would pardon the rioters, whom he has called “patriots” and “political prisoners”.

From BBC

The former British soldier accused of spying for Iran and escaping from prison has said he is "a patriot" who loves his country.

From BBC

Harris is a red-blooded patriot, and Trump is a yellow-bellied traitor.

From Salon

Related Words

• superpatriot