civilian

Civilian refers to a person who is not a member of the armed forces, police, or other official security services, and who is not engaged in regular security duties. In ordinary usage, civilians are noncombatants, members of the general public, or residents who live and work outside the military hierarchy. The term contrasts with military personnel and is often used in discussions of wartime conduct, public life, and civil society.

International humanitarian law distinguishes civilians from combatants. Civilians are protected from direct attacks and must not be used to shield military objectives. They may temporarily lose protection if they directly participate in hostilities or join an organized armed group; upon ceasing such participation, civilian protections resume. Governments and organizations also recognize protections for civilian infrastructure, healthcare workers, and aid personnel.

In democratic states, civilian control of the military or security apparatus is a principle that places ultimate authority over armed forces in elected or appointed civilian leaders rather than military officers. The term also appears in sociopolitical contexts to describe the nonmilitary aspects of life, such as civil administration, commerce, education, and culture, collectively referred to as civilian society.