death squad

noun

1. any of various groups of assassins, especially in Central America, whose members murder political dissidents, petty criminals, etc., usually with the tacit approval of the government.

Word History and Origins

Origin of death squad¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

With virtually no membership screening, oversight or internal discipline at this point in their history, the Rangers became something like a death squad.

From Washington Post

I was subject to a White House death squad that fortunately backed off and aborted the mission.

From The Daily Beast

You can be the leader of a Salvadoran death squad, and then manage a Jiffy Lube in North Miami.

From The Daily Beast