What does patriot mean?
A patriot is someone who feels a strong duty to support and remain loyal to their country. The word is usually positive, suggesting commitment, sacrifice, and pride in a nation or its people, although it can also be used sarcastically to question a person’s motives. In its principal modern sense, a patriot may support a country’s government, culture, or independence without necessarily favoring every national policy. Historically, the term had a more specific political meaning: during the American Revolution, a Patriot supported independence from British rule, whereas a Loyalist supported the Crown. Similar historical associations occur in accounts of the French Revolution. The word is related to compatriot, an adjective and noun for someone from the same country, and to patriotism, the feeling or principle of devotion to one’s country.
nounA person who is strongly loyal to their country and supports its independence, government, or national interests.
- A loyal and devoted supporter of one’s country.
- Historically, a supporter of independence or republicanism, especially during the American or French Revolutions.
"She remained a devoted patriot even when living abroad."
"Many citizens viewed the doctor as a true patriot."
"During the Revolutionary War, Patriots opposed British rule, while Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown."
The standard plural is “patriots.”
"The exhibition honored the patriots who had resisted the occupation."
The Greek root behind patriot means “of one’s fathers,” linking national loyalty to the idea of a community’s inherited homeland.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patriot come from?
The English word comes through French patriote, from Greek patriōtēs, an adjective meaning “of one’s fathers” or “of one’s fatherland.” The Greek root patrios conveys the idea of something belonging to a father, ancestral family, or inherited community, which underlies the modern sense of national attachment.
Related word forms
How patriot is actually used
The word is generally complimentary, though it can be used ironically or politically. In historical American contexts, “Patriot” is often capitalized to refer specifically to supporters of independence, contrasted with “Loyalist.”
Easily confused with patriot
A patriot is primarily someone loyal to their country, whereas a nationalist especially advocates national identity, autonomy, or political independence.