Definition

Noun: 1. A military detachment assigned to execute a condemned person by shooting them simultaneously. 2. A military detachment assigned to fire a salute, typically with rifles, during a funeral ceremony.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific group of soldiers carrying out one of two formal, organized duties. The context (execution or funeral) makes the meaning clear.

Examples

• Execution context:
• Funeral context:

Advanced Usage

• "To face a firing squad": An idiom meaning to face execution or, figuratively, to face severe punishment or a highly critical situation.
  • Figurative: After the failed product launch, the CEO felt like he was facing a firing squad in the board meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Firing party: A less common synonym, often used interchangeably, particularly in a funeral context.

Synonyms

• Execution squad: Specifically for the execution context.
• Firing party: (See Variants and Related Words).

Related Phrases

• Volley: A simultaneous discharge of a number of weapons (e.g., rifles). The shots fired by a firing squad are called volleys.
• Last rites: Religious ceremonies administered to a person immediately before execution, which a prisoner facing a firing squad might receive.
• Blindfolded: A prisoner is often blindfolded before execution by firing squad.

Noun

1. a squad formed to fire volleys at a military funeral or to carry out a military execution