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counterguerrilla

counterguerrilla

8.8
Methods and plans for fighting guerrilla fighters
  • noun
  • /ˌkaʊntərɡəˈrɪlə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : contraguerrilla
  • "Controlling social and political unrest, including counterguerrilla warfare, became a political justification for using repressive tactics against the civilian Brazilian population of all classes.
  • counterguerrilla warfare

Examples

  • According to Peter Singer from the Brookings Institute, the firm utilizes armed reconnaissance planes and helicopter gunships designed for counterguerrilla warfare and has been involved in several firefights with local rebels.

    Academic text (2003)

  • During the conflict, the government relied on counterguerrilla tactics to suppress the rebel uprising.

  • Thus it comes as no surprise that "Counterguerrilla warfare, like conventional wars, is politics by other means." 57

    Academic text (1993)

  • The military implemented a counterguerrilla strategy to regain control of the region from insurgent forces.

  • Training in counterguerrilla operations was crucial for soldiers deployed in areas with active insurgent groups.

Synonyms

counterinsurgency
vscounterguerrilla
  • Specialized
24 8.5

Measures by a government to fight armed groups inside a country

emphasizes military doctrine and tactics for combating irregular fighters

Antonyms

guerrilla warfare
8 5.5

Fighting by small mobile groups using hit-and-run attacks against larger armies in enemy territory

Surface Forms

counterguerrilla singular
counterguerrillas plural

Morphology

counterguerrilla = guerrilla (transparent) = counter + guerrilla

The abstract sense 'doctrine or practice of combating guerrillas' extends directly from 'counter-' + 'guerrilla' and is predictable from the components.

Etymology

Counterguerrilla comes from counter- 'against' plus guerrilla (from guerra 'war', 'small war'). That's why the word is also used for the plans, strategy, or practice used to combat guerrilla fighters.