Pronunciation: [kˈɒntɹəz] (IPA) 
The word "contras" is spelled with two syllables: "CON-tras." The "CON" syllable is pronounced with the /k/ sound followed by the "awn" vowel sound as in "dawn." The "tras" syllable is pronounced with the "tr" consonant cluster followed by the "ahs" vowel sound as in "boss." The word "contras" can refer to a type of dance or an armed opposition group, depending on the context.
"Contras" is a term commonly used to refer to a group of individuals involved in a rebellious or opposing movement against a government, organization, or ideology. It originated from the Spanish word "contrario," which means "opposite" or "against."
Primarily known for their controversial role in Central American history, particularly in the 1980s during the Nicaraguan civil war, the term "contras" became associated with the counterrevolutionary armed groups that opposed the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. These armed groups were composed of former members of the Nicaraguan National Guard, as well as other individuals who opposed the socialist policies and the perceived growing influence of communism in the country.
The contras were supported and financed by various entities, including the United States government, as part of their efforts to counter the Soviet Union's influence in the region. The term "contras" expanded beyond its original context to encompass similar anti-government rebel groups in other Latin American countries, particularly those with left-wing governments.
Today, the term "contras" is also used more broadly to describe any opposition or resistance movement against a government or dominant power. It can refer to those who engage in armed struggles, as well as those who express their dissent through non-violent means such as demonstrations, protests, or civil disobedience. The term often carries a connotation of being in conflict with or opposed to the established authority, whether political, social, or cultural.
The word "contras" is derived from the Spanish language. "Contras" is the plural form of "contra", which means "against" or "opposite" in Spanish. It comes from the Latin word "contrā", which has the same meaning. The term "contras" gained prominence during the Nicaraguan Revolution in the 1980s, when it was used to refer to a counterrevolutionary group that opposed the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
