commando

com-man-do · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A soldier specially trained for carrying out raids and other quick, dangerous military operations.

  2. 2.

    A unit of such soldiers.

  3. 3.

    (informal, in phrase "go commando") To not wear underwear.

Forms

plural: commandos, commandoes

Related words

See also: military, raid, soldier, special forces
Synonyms: operative, raider, soldier

Etymology

From Afrikaans kommando, from Portuguese commando ("command, party commanded"), from commandar ("to command"). Originally referred to Boer mounted units in South Africa, later adopted by British forces in World War II for specialized raiding units.