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mercenary

[/ˈmɜːrsəneri/]
adjective, nounN/A (adjective); masculine (noun - soldado mercenário)pl: mercenaries (noun)
mercenário
1. (adjective) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics or morality
She was accused of having mercenary motives for the marriage.
Ela foi acusada de ter motivos mercenários para o casamento.
2. (noun) a soldier hired to serve in a foreign army
The company hired mercenaries to protect their interests.
A empresa contratou mercenários para proteger seus interesses.
3. (adjective) relating to or characteristic of soldiers of fortune
Mercenary forces were deployed in the conflict.
Forças mercenárias foram implantadas no conflito.
NYC Slang
hired gun, money-grubber
Synonyms
greedyavariciousvenalsoldier of fortunehired gun
Antonyms
altruisticselflessidealisticphilanthropic

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mercenário
standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
mercenário
common usage in business and military contexts
Portugal
mercenário
standard term; also used in political and economic criticism

Related Idioms & Phrases

mercenary motive - motivo mercenário (selfish financial interest)
mercenary spirit - espírito mercenário (pursuit of profit over principles)
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