section eight
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of administrative discharge from the U.S. Army: This refers to a discharge granted to a soldier on the grounds of being mentally, physically, or morally unfit for military service. It originates from Section VIII of the U.S. Army regulations. 2. A person receiving such a discharge: This term is also used to refer to the soldier who has been discharged under these conditions.
Usage Examples
- The private received a section eight after the psychiatric evaluation.
- During the war, he was labeled a section eight and sent home.
- The term section eight is an old military classification.
Advanced Usage
- The term is historical and was primarily used during and following World War II. It carries a strong stigma and is often used pejoratively to imply cowardice or instability.
- In modern informal contexts, it can be used hyperbolically to describe someone as crazy or unfit for a situation.
- After his third outburst, they joked he was headed for a section eight.
Variants and Related Words
- Section 8: A common alternative spelling using the numeral.
- Section 8 housing: A completely different, modern term referring to a U.S. government housing assistance program for low-income families. This is a distinct term and should not be confused with the military discharge.
Synonyms
- Discharge for unfitness
- Administrative discharge (for unsuitability)
- (Informal) Crazy discharge
Related Idioms & Phrases
- To be section eighted: (Informal, historical) To be discharged from the military under Section VIII.
- Rumors spread that he was going to be section eighted.
Noun
- a discharge from the US Army based on unfitness or character traits deemed undesirable
- a soldier who received a Section Eight discharge as unfit for military service