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mercenary

noun

/ˈməːs(ɪ)n(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mercenary

A person who works or fights for hire, especially for a foreign country or government.
"The mercenary fought for the highest bidder, caring little for the cause."

Detailed meaning of mercenary

It implies the act of being motivated by the desire for money or other material gain rather than by any political, ideological or nationalistic considerations. In the context of military, it refers to soldiers who are hired to fight in a war or a conflict, rather than being part of a regular army. In the context of business, it refers to a person who is motivated by profit rather than by the mission of the company or the values of the industry. In the context of sports, it refers to a player who is motivated by financial gain rather than by loyalty to a team or a sport. In general, when someone is described as a mercenary, it implies the act of being motivated by the desire for money or other material gain rather than by any political, ideological or nationalistic considerations, and is willing to work or fight for hire.

Example sentences containing mercenary

1. The mercenary was hired to protect the wealthy businessman during his travels.
2. The kingdom hired a group of mercenary soldiers to reinforce their army.
3. The mercenary fought for the highest bidder, caring little for the cause.
4. The captured mercenary was interrogated to gather information about their employer.
5. The mercenary's loyalty was always in question, as they had no allegiance but to themselves.
6. The mercenary's reputation for ruthless tactics made them feared among their enemies.

History and etymology of mercenary

The noun 'mercenary' has an etymology deeply rooted in the concept of monetary compensation for services rendered. It stems from the Latin word 'mercenarius,' derived from 'merces,' meaning 'wages' or 'pay.' In ancient Rome, a 'mercenarius' was someone who worked for pay, often in the form of a soldier or laborer. 'Mercenary' describes a person who works or fights for hire, typically for a foreign country or government, with financial gain as their primary motive. Its etymology underscores the central role of payment or wages in the activities of mercenaries, highlighting the transactional nature of their services and their historical association with armies for hire.

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Further usage examples of mercenary

1. The mercenary company offered their services to anyone willing to pay their price.
2. The mercenary was skilled in various combat techniques, making them a formidable opponent.
3. The mercenary was accused of committing war crimes in their pursuit of money.
4. The town's residents viewed the mercenaries as a necessary evil for their protection.
5. The mercenary's equipment was top-notch, reflecting their high-priced services.
6. The mercenary was hired to protect the VIP at the event.
7. He had a reputation as a ruthless mercenary on the battlefield.
8. The mercenary group was known for taking on dangerous missions.
9. He was a skilled marksman and a valuable asset to the mercenary team.
10. The mercenary was paid a large sum of money for his services.
11. He had no loyalty, he was a mercenary who would work for the highest bidder.
12. The mercenary was equipped with the latest weapons and gear.
13. The mercenary was trained in various forms of combat and survival techniques.
14. The company was criticized for using mercenaries to carry out their operations.
15. He had no qualms about killing, he was a mercenary after all.