Definition

A soldier who is trained to jump from an aircraft and land by parachute, usually to engage in combat or perform military operations.

Example

The paratrooper landed safely in the designated drop zone during the training exercise.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new paratrooper training program starting next month?

Yeah, I heard it’s going to be really intense but exciting.

I can’t believe they actually jump out of planes for practice!

Right? It takes a lot of courage to be a paratrooper.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paratrooper → It is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or beyond) and "trooper" (from Old French *troupier*, meaning a soldier or member of a troop). The word describes a soldier who operates beside or beyond the usual means of deployment, specifically by parachuting into combat.

Memory Tip

Think of a soldier who jumps 'beside' ('para-') the regular way of entering a battlefield, which is why a paratrooper is someone who parachutes into action.

Visually Confused Words