civilian

A person who is not a member of the armed forces.

• The soldier helped a civilian cross the road.
• Several civilians were injured in the attack.
• She left the army and became a civilian.

Similar words: noncombatant

Common phrases: innocent civilian, civilian casualties, protect a civilian, become a civilian

An ordinary person living in an area, considered as part of its general population.

• Local civilians gathered in the town square.
• Aid workers brought food to the civilians living there.
• Every civilian in the area received an evacuation notice.

Similar words: resident, local

Common phrases: local civilian, civilian population, civilian residents

Someone who does not belong to a particular group or take part in its activity.

• The backstage door was closed to civilians.
• To a civilian like me, their technical language is confusing.
• The club members jokingly called visitors civilians.

Similar words: outsider, nonmember

Opposites: insider

Common phrases: mere civilian, civilian like someone, ordinary civilian

Connected with ordinary life rather than the armed forces, police, or similar official services.

• He changed into civilian clothes.
• She found a civilian job after leaving the army.
• The airport handles both military and civilian aircraft.

Similar words: nonmilitary

Opposites: military

Common phrases: civilian clothes, civilian life, civilian aircraft, civilian government