**Guerrilla**
Tracing back to its etymological roots, #0excludeGlossary is derived from the Spanish diminutive of #1excludeGlossary meaning #2excludeGlossary This term was first popularized during the early 19th century, particularly during the Spanish resistance against French occupation. Initially, “guerrilla” described small bands of fighters employing hit-and-run tactics against larger armies. Fast forward to today, and the term has taken on new life within the cannabis community. In this context, “guerrilla” refers to the stealthy cultivation of cannabis plants, often in secluded outdoor locations, to evade legal scrutiny. This practice, known as guerrilla growing, is a creative response to restrictive cannabis laws, allowing growers to produce their crops discreetly. As legalization efforts gain momentum worldwide, the guerrilla approach highlights the ongoing tension between traditional cultivation methods and modern regulatory frameworks. The term #6excludeGlossary thus encapsulates both a historical legacy of resistance and a contemporary strategy for navigating the evolving cannabis landscape. [Source: Merriam-Webster, History.com]
It has been suggested that Strategy and tactics of guerrilla warfare be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2025. |
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Guerrilla warfare is a type of unconventional warfare in which small groups of irregular military, such as rebels, partisans, paramilitary personnel or armed civilians, which may include recruited children, use ambushes, sabotage, terrorism, raids, petty warfare or hit-and-run tactics in a rebellion, in a violent conflict, in a war or in a civil war to fight against regular military, police or rival insurgent forces.
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Although the term "guerrilla warfare" was coined in the context of the Peninsular War in the 19th century, the tactical methods of guerrilla warfare have long been in use. In the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu proposed the use of guerrilla-style tactics in The Art of War. The 3rd century BC Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus is also credited with inventing many of the tactics of guerrilla warfare through what is today called the Fabian strategy, and in China Peng Yue is also often regarded as the inventor of guerrilla warfare. Guerrilla warfare has been used by various factions throughout history and is particularly associated with revolutionary movements and popular resistance against invading or occupying armies.
Guerrilla tactics focus on avoiding head-on confrontations with enemy armies, typically due to inferior arms or forces, and instead engage in limited skirmishes with the goal of exhausting adversaries and forcing them to withdraw (see also attrition warfare). Organized guerrilla groups often depend on the support of either the local population or foreign backers who sympathize with the guerrilla group's efforts.
English
Alternative forms
- guerilla (obsolete)
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish guerrilla, diminutive of guerra (“war”), coined during the Peninsular War.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ɡəˈɹɪlə/
- (US) IPA(key): /ɡəˈɹɪlə/, /ɡəˈɹiə/, /ˌɡeɪˈɹiə/
- Homophone: gorilla
- Hyphenation: guer‧ril‧la
Noun
guerrilla (plural guerrillas)
- A soldier in a small independent
