patriot
UK: ˈpeɪtriət | US: ˈpeɪtriət
n. a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it
n. (historical) a Roman soldier or citizen who fought for their homeland
patriot = patri<fatherland> + ot<agent suffix>
- patri (from Latin patria, meaning "fatherland" or "native land," derived from pater "father")
- ot (a suffix denoting a person associated with a particular role or quality, from Greek -ōtēs via Latin -ota)
Etymology Origin:
The word patriot traces back to the Latin patriota, meaning "fellow countryman," which itself comes from Greek patriōtēs (one from the same fatherland). The root patri- reflects the ancient concept of loyalty to one's "fatherland" (pater = father). Over time, the term evolved to emphasize passionate devotion to one's nation, especially during periods of conflict or revolution (e.g., the American "Patriots" in the Revolutionary War).
He was hailed as a patriot for his service in the military.
The speech inspired the crowd to act as patriots for their nation.
During the war, many patriots risked their lives for independence.
True patriots strive to improve their country, not just praise it.
The monument honors the patriots who fought for freedom.