Civilians Meaning and Definition
Civilians
Pronunciation
/sɪˈvaɪlɪənz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Common people who are not members of the military or law enforcement, often civilians are those who are not involved in a particular conflict or crisis, and are not trained or equipped for self-defense. They may be individuals, families, or communities who are affected by war, terrorism, or other humanitarian crises.
Examples
- The government prioritized the safety of civilians in the crisis zone.
- Civilians were evacuated from the affected areas to secure shelters.
Synonyms
- Non-combatants
- Non-military personnel
Antonyms
- Military personnel
- Law enforcement officials
Etymology
The word “civilian” comes from the Latin “civilis,” meaning “of or belonging to a city,” and was first used in the 15th century to refer to citizens or non-military personnel.
Usage Notes
In formal and official contexts, the term “civilians” is often used to refer to non-combatants, while in informal contexts, it may be used more broadly to refer to anyone who is not part of the military or law enforcement.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “civilians” is often used in reference to the target audience of military interventions, as in the phrase “protecting civilian lives.” It can also be used in fictional depictions of war, such as in movies and television shows.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Civilians first,” a phrase used to prioritize the safety of non-combatants.
Related Words or Phrases
Non-combat, non-military, peacekeeper, humanitarian.
Collocations
civilian casualties, civilian deaths, civilian population, civilian zone.
Frequency of Use
The term “civilians” is commonly used in formal and official contexts, as well as in popular culture and media, particularly in relation to war, conflict, and humanitarian crises.
Common Misspellings
Sivilians, Sivilians, Civillians.