militia
/məˈlɪʃə/
noun
- A group of ordinary people who are trained as soldiers but are not part of a regular army; they serve in emergencies or when needed.
- My grandfather served in the state militia when he was young, training one weekend a month.
- In some countries, the militia is called up only during a war or natural disaster.
- The local militia helped fight the forest fire when the fire department needed extra hands.
- An armed group of citizens who organize themselves, often outside of official government control, to protect their own interests or promote a political cause.
- Many countries have laws against unofficial militias operating without government permission.
- A small militia formed to defend the town from looters after the earthquake.
- The government accused the militia of attacking villages in the region.