Mercenary

A Mercenary is a person primarily motivated by financial gain, who fights in an armed conflict or participates in other activities for pay, often for a foreign power or organization. They are typically not motivated by loyalty to a particular cause or ideology but by the prospect of earning money. Their involvement is often characterized by a lack of personal stake in the conflict, prioritizing profit over allegiance or moral considerations. This can lead to accusations of a lack of ethics and an exploitation of war.

Mercenary meaning with examples

• The king hired a Mercenary army to defend his kingdom, knowing they valued gold over loyalty and would fight fiercely for their payment. Their swords were for hire.
• Hoping to quickly acquire the artifact, the archaeologist hired a band of mercenaries to guard their dig site, using their combat skills. It would keep the location safe.
• Some argue that private military companies, when used by governments, act as modern-day mercenaries, prioritizing profit. This is particularly true in the context of conflicts.
• During the siege, the desperate city council considered hiring a Mercenary force, understanding the potential downsides of their transactional approach. They would act purely for money.
• The author depicted the main antagonist as a Mercenary, highlighting their ruthlessness and prioritizing their financial goals at any cost, making for a compelling character.