Synonyms

guerrilla warfare

American

noun

the use of hit-and-run tactics by small, mobile groups of irregular forces operating in territory controlled by a hostile, regular force.

guerrilla warfare Cultural

Wars fought with hit-and-run tactics by small groups against an invader or against an established government. (See counterinsurgency.)

Etymology

Origin of guerrilla warfare

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But as a group, the Taliban sustained more than 20 years of war against the US and its Nato allies, so its capacity to carry out unconventional and guerrilla warfare is well evidenced.

From BBC

However, the Afghan Taliban has extensive experience in guerrilla warfare.

From BBC

Beijing trained the rebels in guerrilla warfare, Marxist-Leninist theory and "people's war".

From BBC

"The marine firefighter battalion is waging guerrilla warfare, hoses in hand," said the city's Mayor Benoît Payan, referring to Marseille's fire and rescue service.

From BBC

Another farmer, David Lemon, said hare coursing has become like "guerrilla warfare" in his area on the Wiltshire-Hampshire border.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023