Skirmisher - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A skirmisher is a lightly armed soldier or fighter who engages in irregular or small-scale combat, often harassing the enemy from a distance before retreating. They are typically mobile and avoid direct confrontation.
Definition:
A soldier or fighter engaged in minor, irregular combat, often as part of a larger battle.
Synonyms:
scout, raider, guerrilla, combatant
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
pacifist, civilian
Common Collocations:
light skirmisher, mounted skirmisher, enemy skirmisher
Derivatives:
skirmish, skirmishing
Usage Tips:
Use "skirmisher" to describe lightly armed troops harassing enemies rather than engaging in full combat.
Common Phrases:
hit-and-run tactics, forward skirmishers, screen the advance
Etymology:
Derived from Old French "eskirmir" (to fight), influenced by Germanic roots related to combat.
Examples:
- 1. The skirmishers advanced cautiously through the forest.
- 2. Mounted skirmishers harassed the enemy’s flanks during the battle.
- 3. The general deployed light skirmishers to scout ahead of the main army.
- 4. Modern militaries still train units to act as skirmishers in certain scenarios.