A paramilitary organisation, also known as a private army or armed group, is typically defined as a group of individuals who operate outside the normal confines of a government-controlled military force. Because of this, many people use a variety of synonyms to describe these types of organisations. Some of the most common synonyms include militia, guerrilla group, mercenary force, and insurgent group. Other terms that are often used to describe paramilitary organisations include underground army, freedom fighters, and non-state armed actors. Ultimately, the specific term used to describe these groups often depends on the context and perspective of the person using the term.