battalion
/bə'tæljən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A large military unit: A battalion is an army unit, typically consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies. It is a fundamental tactical and administrative unit, usually commanded by a lieutenant colonel. 2. A large, organized group of people or things: Used figuratively to describe any large, orderly group or multitude acting in a coordinated manner.
Examples
- Military Unit:
- The infantry battalion was deployed to the front lines.
- He commanded a battalion of over 500 soldiers.
- Figurative Group:
- A battalion of volunteers cleaned up the park after the festival.
- The CEO was followed by a battalion of assistants.
Advanced Usage
- "The big battalions": This idiom refers to the side with superior numbers, resources, or power in a conflict or competition. It suggests that strength often lies with the larger, more powerful group.
- In the market war, the small startup struggled against the big battalions of the tech giants.
Variants and Related Words
- Battalion Commander (n): The officer in command of a battalion.
- Battalion-Size (adj): Of a size or scale comparable to a military battalion.
- They faced a battalion-size force of protesters.
Synonyms
- Regiment: A military unit larger than a battalion. (Note: A regiment typically consists of multiple battalions.)
- Legion: A large military unit or, figuratively, a very large number.
- Multitude: A large number of people or things.
Related Phrases
- To form a battalion: To organize into a large, structured group.
- The citizens formed a volunteer battalion to help with the disaster relief.
- Battalion strength: Referring to the number of personnel or the combat effectiveness of a battalion.
- The unit was operating at only half its battalion strength.
Noun
- a large indefinite number
- a battalion of ants
- a multitude of TV antennas
- a plurality of religions
- an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies