dragoon
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /drəˈɡuːn/
KK: /drəˈɡun/
noun
Definition
A soldier in a historical military unit that was originally made up of cavalry but could also fight on foot.
Example
The dragoon rode into battle, ready to fight both on horseback and on the ground.
Conversation
Did you know that a dragoon was originally a type of mounted soldier?
Really? I had no idea!
Yeah, they were heavily armed and trained to fight on horseback.
That's fascinating! History can be so interesting sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cavalry
soldier
trooper
Antonyms
civilian
noncombatant
pacifist
transitive verb
Definition
To force someone to do something, often by using threats or violence.
Example
The government tried to dragoon the citizens into joining the army.
Tense Forms
Past: dragooned
Past Participle: dragooned
Conversation
Did you hear about the new policy at work?
Yeah, it sounds like they're trying to dragoon everyone into extra hours.
I really don't like that approach; it feels so unfair.
Root Explanation
Dragoon → The word originates from the French 'dragon', meaning a dragon or a type of firearm resembling a dragon. It referred to mounted infantrymen who were armed with such firearms, thus the term evolved to describe these soldiers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier riding a horse, armed with a 'dragon'-like firearm — that's how you can remember that a dragoon is a type of mounted infantry.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.