Militia

Pronunciation

• IPA: /məˈlɪʃə/
• Rhymes: -ɪʃə

Origin

From Latin mīlitia ("army, military force/service"), from mīles ("soldier").

The use of "militia" rather than "police" to refer to the police force (of Ukraine and some other countries) originated among Russian communists.

Full definition of militia

Noun

1. (in particular) An army of trained civilians, which may be an official reserve army, called upon in time of need, the entire able-bodied population of a state which may also be called upon, or a private force not under government control.
2. The national police force of certain countries (e.g. Ukraine).