pro-civilian
|pro-civ-i-li-an|
🇺🇸
/proʊ-sɪˈvɪliən/
🇬🇧
/prəʊ-sɪˈvɪlɪən/
for civilians
Etymology
'pro-civilian' is formed from the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro', meaning 'for') combined with 'civilian' (from Latin 'civilis', meaning 'relating to citizens').
'civilian' derives from Latin 'civilis' (relating to citizens), passed into Old French and Middle English as 'civil' and later developed the noun/adjective 'civilian'; the compound 'pro-civilian' is a modern English formation using the productive prefix 'pro-'.
Initially the elements meant 'for' + 'relating to citizens'; over time the compound has been used in political and social contexts to mean 'in support of civilians or civilian authority' as opposed to military interests.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
favoring or supporting civilians (people who are not members of the armed forces), often used in contrast to being pro-military.
The group adopted a pro-civilian position, calling for protections for noncombatants in the conflict.
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Adjective 2
supportive of civilian leadership or civilian control of government and institutions, especially in contrast to military rule or influence.
After the coup, many diplomats voiced a pro-civilian stance, urging restoration of elected government.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 18:06