C1noun3K

Guerrilla

UK /["/ɡəˈrɪlə/"]/US /["/ɡəˈrɪlə/"]/

Definition

a member of a small group of soldiers who are not part of an official army and who fight against official soldiers, usually to try to change the government

In simple words: A fighter who uses surprise attacks and tricks to fight a larger force.

Examples

  • urban guerrillas *(= those who fight in towns)*
  • **guerrilla war/warfare** *(= fought by guerrillas* on one or both sides)
  • a guerrilla movement
  • Urban guerrillas detonated a car bomb in front of the company's headquarters.
  • Seven soldiers and two guerrillas were killed after an attack on a border post.
  • Sporadic fighting soon turned into full-scale guerrilla warfare.
  • The guerrilla group denied any involvement in the assassination.
  • The peace talks have put an end to the 17-year guerrilla war.

Usage notes

Often used in military contexts or discussions about unconventional tactics. Avoid using in formal settings without context. Can also refer to style in marketing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'girl' + 'illa'— imagine a girl who's tough like a wild animal fighting back.

Collocations

  • armed
  • urban
  • communist
  • army
  • band
  • force

Synonyms

  • insurgent
  • rebel
  • irregular fighter
  • freedom fighter

Antonyms

  • conventional soldier
  • regular army

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'gorilla' (the animal).
  • Used inappropriately in formal writing.
  • Assumed to always refer to combat situations.