Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
militia
This term carries a heavy political charge and varies wildly depending on the geographic and legal context. In a formal state context, it refers to a legitimate reserve force organized by a government to provide emergency security or defense. In modern political discourse, particularly in the United States, it often evokes images of non-state, paramilitary groups acting independently of government authority. This creates a tension between the concept of a civic duty to protect one's community and the perception of unregulated, armed vigilantes.
Countable when referring to a specific organized group or a particular unit of soldiers. Uncountable when referring to the general system of military service for citizens.
Meanings
A military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency.
"The local militia was called up to defend the border."