Guerilla
/ɡəˈrɪlə/noun
A member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces.
Did you know?The term 'guerilla' emerged from the Spanish for 'little war', reflecting the tactics of surprise and ambush that have been used in resistance movements for centuries.
Etymological Timeline
Spanish
Spanish
guerra
“war, conflict, strife”
16th Century
Spanish
guerilla
“little war, a diminutive form of guerra”
17th Century
English
guerilla
“referring to irregular warfare or fighters in Spain”
19th Century
English
guerilla warfare
“tactics of small groups using surprise attacks against larger forces”
Modern English
English
guerilla
“a term for irregular combatants, often associated with revolutionary movements.”