Phrase guide

human terrain

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The social and cultural aspects of an operational environment, especially in a military context.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 2005 Montgomery McFate and Andrea Jackson, ""An Organizational Solution for DOD’s Cultural Knowledge Needs," Military Review, July-August 2005. Purpose: augment the military’s ability to effectively plan, train, and operate in the complex human terrain of weak states by conducting unbiased, accurate field research in countries of interest and administering related programs.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.