1. a member of the Nazi paramilitary organization known as the SA (Sturmabteilung)
Usage: historical
2. a person who uses violent or intimidating tactics to suppress opposition, especially in politics
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The brownshirts played a key role in Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany.
• Historical documentaries often show footage of brownshirts marching through German streets.
• The SA, known as brownshirts for their uniform color, terrorized political opponents.
• Critics accused the group’s enforcers of acting like brownshirts.
• The museum exhibit explained how brownshirts helped the Nazi party intimidate voters.
• Many brownshirts were eventually purged during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934.