reservist
UK: rɪˈzɜːvɪst | US: rɪˈzɜːrvɪst
n. a member of a military reserve force
n. a person who is kept in reserve for future service
reservist = reserve<to keep back> + ist<one who does>
- reserve: From Latin reservare ("to keep back"), combining re- (back) + servare (to keep).
- ist: A suffix derived from Latin -ista (via Greek -istes), denoting "one who practices or is concerned with something."
Etymology Origin:
The term reservist emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the military practice of maintaining a "reserve" force—soldiers kept back from active duty but ready for deployment. The word merges reserve (retention for future use) with -ist (agent suffix), logically forming "one who is held in reserve." This mirrors the evolution of standing armies and organized national defense systems.
After retiring from active duty, he became a reservist.
The army called up reservists during the national emergency.
She trains one weekend a month as a naval reservist.
Reservists play a critical role in wartime support.
The government increased funding for reservist training programs.