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combatant
/ ˈkʌm-; ˈkɒmbətənt /
noun
- a person or group engaged in or prepared for a fight, struggle, or dispute
adjective
- engaged in or ready for combat
Other Words From
- precom·batant noun
- uncom·batant adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of combatant1
Example Sentences
In the past year, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 3,840 people and wounded nearly 15,000 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
In the past year, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed 3,841 people and wounded nearly 15,000 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
He cited the laws of distinction, which requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians, proportionality, which prohibits attacks where harm to civilians outweighs military advantage, and precautions in attacks.
Westrate, however, is less concerned with the allegorical meaning of this battle than with the interpersonal dynamics of the combatants.
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More About Combatant
What does combatant mean?
A combatant is one of the sides engaged in combat—active fighting.
In war, enemy combatants are the opposing sides in the war or battle.
In boxing and other martial arts, the two fighters can be called combatants.
The word combat is sometimes used more broadly or figuratively to refer to active conflict between two people or groups, as in The two corporations are preparing to do combat in the courtroom. The sides in this kind of combat can also be called combatants.
Less commonly, combatant can be used as an adjective meaning engaged in fighting. It can also mean inclined to fight, but the word combative is more commonly used in this way.
Example: If diplomacy fails, the two nations could become enemy combatants.
Where does combatant come from?
The first records of the word combatant come from the 1400s. It comes from the Late Latin combattere, from com-, meaning “with” or “together,” and the Latin verb battuere, meaning “to strike” or “to beat.” The word battle is based on this same root. The suffix -ant is used to form nouns.
Just like there can’t be a battle without at least two sides, a person or group really can’t be considered a combatant unless they are engaged in combat with another combatant. The word is most often associated with physical fighting. Even when the word is used in a figurative way, it often likens the sides in the conflict to physical fighters, implying that the conflict is an intense one.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to combatant?
- combat (noun, verb)
What are some synonyms for combatant?
What are some words that share a root or word element with combatant?
What are some words that often get used in discussing combatant?
How is combatant used in real life?
Combatant is most commonly used in a military context, but it can be used in many other contexts involving some kind of conflict.
"… motives included a desire to outscore other patrols in the number of enemy combatants killed, to clear at all costs the battlefield of people believed to be insurgents and to initiate new soldiers into a brotherhood of combat." #Afghanistan https://t.co/QIMBx52K4w
— Malachy Browne (@malachybrowne) November 19, 2020
Astonishing that @NYCMayor is on TV right now defending NYPD for treating peaceful protestors like enemy combatants this summer.
“It doesn’t sound right at all to me,” in response to this lawsuit. https://t.co/HKbIVNGWiC
— lauren vega (@lauxvega) October 26, 2020
Compatriots become combatants.#NRLBulldogsDragons kicks-off at 4pm!#NRL pic.twitter.com/HSSsFCdJE3
— NRL (@NRL) June 8, 2015
Try using combatant!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of combatant?
A. adversary
B. ally
C. foe
D. fighter
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