Words / B2

g-uh-RIL-uh/ɡəˈrɪlə/

A guerrilla is a member of a small unofficial armed group; the word also describes surprise unofficial tactics: guerrilla warfare; guerrilla marketing. Soldier is the regular army word. Spelling: guerrilla (two r’s, two l’s); guerilla is a common variant. Handle the conflict sense carefully. Not a synonym of gorilla (the animal).

Meaning

A member of a small independent armed group; also used of unofficial, surprise tactics (guerrilla marketing).

Examples

• “The documentary followed a guerrilla campaign in the border hills.”
• “Guerrilla marketing stickers appeared on the campus gates, which is the figurative sense.”

Good to know

guerrilla warfare / campaign; a guerrilla. Figurative: guerrilla marketing / gardening. Trap: gorilla. News and history. Irregular, not regular army.

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