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

The Russian dissident’s posthumous memoir, “Patriot,” is funny, tragic and somehow optimistic about the future of his beloved country.

From Los Angeles Times

“One of them is pure, you know, and he’s a patriot. And the other, she’s just going to say whatever she needs to say to get elected. That’s basically what I hear.”

From Slate

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

Asked what his views on the UK were, he said: “I am a patriot, It’s as simple as that. I love my country.”

From BBC

The Russian dissident’s posthumous memoir, “Patriot,” is funny, tragic and somehow optimistic about the future of his beloved country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• superpatriot