guerrilla warfare

American  

noun

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

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guerrilla warfare Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of guerrilla warfare

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Navy’s siege is revealing a hole in Tehran’s strategy of guerrilla warfare and controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

Most of Ireland ultimately became an independent state in 1922, after several years of bloody guerrilla warfare.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2024

In retaliation, Gates released information about Bass’ trips to Cuba and falsely asserted she had gone there to learn guerrilla warfare.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2023

He was knowledgeable about guerrilla warfare and helped fill many gaps in my knowledge.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela