Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

civilian-militia

noun

/sɪˈvɪl.jən mɪˈlɪʃ.ə/

Definition

A civilian militia is a military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers, which is formed for the purpose of defending a community or state.

Examples

The civilian militia organized neighborhood watch groups to enhance the security of their community.
In times of crisis, many countries have relied on civilian militias to supplement their armed forces.
The civilian militia played a crucial role during the conflict by providing local intelligence to the official military.

Meaning

Civilian militias often arise in response to perceived threats to security and are usually characterized by their voluntary nature and the involvement of non-professional soldiers.