combat fatigue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Medical, Military
Quick answer
What does “combat fatigue” mean?
A psychological condition characterized by mental and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to active warfare.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A psychological condition characterized by mental and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to active warfare.
Extreme tiredness or burnout resulting from any prolonged, intense struggle or conflict, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. In UK military/medical contexts, 'battle fatigue' is a common historical variant. In the US, 'combat fatigue' is the more standard historical term.
Connotations
In both, the term carries strong associations with mid-20th century warfare (WWII, Korea, Vietnam). It can sound slightly dated or euphemistic compared to modern clinical terminology.
Frequency
Low in everyday conversation. Higher frequency in historical, literary, or journalistic contexts discussing war. Metaphorical use is more common in US media.
Grammar
How to Use “combat fatigue” in a Sentence
experience [combat fatigue]be diagnosed with [combat fatigue][combat fatigue] set inVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combat fatigue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit was combat-fatigued after months in the trenches.
- Troops can become combat-fatigued without proper rotation.
American English
- The relentless patrols combat-fatigued the platoon.
- Commanders must watch for signs that soldiers are combat-fatiguing.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- He was a combat-fatigued veteran seeking quiet.
- The combat-fatigued battalion was withdrawn for rest.
American English
- She treated combat-fatigued Marines at the field hospital.
- A combat-fatigued look haunted his eyes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically for burnout from intense corporate competition or prolonged negotiations.
Academic
In history, psychology, or military studies papers discussing historical psychological casualties.
Everyday
Rare in literal sense. Sometimes used humorously or metaphorically for exhaustion from any long struggle (e.g., parenting, a project).
Technical
In military medicine or psychiatry, as a historical diagnostic category, now largely replaced by more specific terms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combat fatigue”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combat fatigue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combat fatigue”
- Using it as a synonym for simple tiredness after a hard day's work. It implies prolonged, traumatic stress.
- Confusing it with 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome', which is a different medical condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is a historical precursor. 'Combat fatigue' was a broad, non-specific term used mainly in the mid-20th century. PTSD is a specific, modern clinical diagnosis with defined criteria that can result from combat, among other traumas.
Only metaphorically and with caution. Using it lightly for ordinary work stress can be seen as insensitive, as the term is strongly associated with the severe psychological trauma of warfare.
'Shell shock' is an older term (World War I era) focusing on the immediate neurological impact of explosions. 'Combat fatigue' (World War II era) broadened the concept to include cumulative psychological stress from prolonged combat, not just physical concussion.
Primarily a compound noun. It can be used attributively (as in 'combat fatigue symptoms') or, less commonly, hyphenated to form a compound adjective ('combat-fatigued soldier').
A psychological condition characterized by mental and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to active warfare.
Combat fatigue is usually formal, medical, military in register.
Combat fatigue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.bæt fəˌtiːɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːm.bæt fəˌtiːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly, but related to 'shell-shocked' or 'battle-weary']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a soldier in COMBAT who is utterly FATIGUED—not just physically tired, but mentally broken by the relentless stress.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR / CONFLICT IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN that wears down the mind.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'combat fatigue' LEAST appropriate?