Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
death-squad
noun
/dɛθ skwɒd/
Definition
A death squad is a group of people who carry out extrajudicial killings, typically targeting individuals considered enemies of the state or a particular political agenda.
Examples
- The government was accused of using death squads to silence dissent during the regime.
- Reports emerged about a notorious death squad operating in the region, responsible for numerous disappearances.
- Activists raised their voices against the human rights violations linked to the actions of the death squads.
Meaning
These groups often operate outside the law and are associated with violent political repression or terrorism, and their actions are usually intended to instill fear in a population or eliminate opposition.
Synonyms
- executioner group
- kill team
- assassination group
