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Meaning of mercenary
A mercenary is primarily someone who takes part in a war or conflict for personal gain, especially financial.
Etymology of mercenary
The word "mercenary" originates from the Latin "mercenarius," meaning "hireling" or "one who does something for pay," which is derived from "merces," meaning "pay" or "reward."
Historically, the term has been used since the 15th century to describe soldiers who fought for financial gain, often in foreign armies.
Synonyms
hired gun
soldier of fortune
freelance fighter
gunslinger
hired hand
paid fighter
paid killer
assassin
hitman
hired assassin
contract killer
sellout
turncoat
traitor
deserter
defector
renegade
rebel
insurgent
guerrilla
warrior
fighter
combatant
merc
freelancer
adventurer
buccaneer
freeblade
condottiere
hired sword
sword for hire
Definitions
- A person, typically a soldier, who fights for hire, especially a foreigner fighting for a country other than their own.
- * A person who works or acts for personal gain, especially someone who is motivated by money rather than a sense of duty or principle.
Usage Examples
- The company was accused of hiring mercenary soldiers to guard their facilities in the conflict zone.
- * He was a mercenary who had fought in several wars, always for the highest bidder.
Antonyms
patriot
nationalist
volunteer
altruist
philanthropist
benefactor
humanitarian
idealist
crusader
champion
defender
guardian
protector
preservationist
conservationist
advocate
supporter
enthusiast
devotee
loyalist