shock troops

plural noun

, Military.

1. troops especially selected, trained, and equipped for engaging in assault.

shock troops

plural noun

1. soldiers specially trained and equipped to carry out an assault

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock troops¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

It helps radicalize the already converted who form the shock troops of the Trump brigade.

From Salon

They will in turn become his personal shock troops.

From Salon

Its shock troops rarely even carry firearms; their weapons are low-tech, crude, and exceptionally cruel, and their targets are unarmed, unsuspecting civilians.

From Salon

These men and women will become the core of his personal shock troops and paramilitary force, the street thugs and enforcers for the regime.

From Salon

To some pro-life voters who for decades have constituted the shock troops of the Republican Party, the stance is worrying.

From Washington Times