Pronunciation: [sˈaŋɡə] (IPA) 
The word "sangar" is commonly spelled with one "g," but it may also be spelled with two. The correct pronunciation is /sæŋər/ and the first consonant is a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The vowel is a short /æ/ and the second consonant is a voiced velar nasal /ŋ/. The final syllable includes a reduced schwa sound /ər/. The origin of the word is Pashto, and it refers to a temporary fortification used by military forces.
A sangar is a noun that refers to a small fortified shelter typically made using sandbags, stones, or other natural materials. This term finds its origin in Pashto, a language spoken in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. It has now become a widely used term in military jargon and is recognized in numerous dictionaries of military terms.
Sangars are often constructed as defensive structures in conflict zones, military camps, or volatile regions to offer protection against enemy attacks, gunfire, or explosions. They are typically constructed in a strategic location, such as overlooking a battlefield or providing a vantage point, enabling occupants to observe, defend, or retreat if necessary. The materials utilized in building sangars serve as a barrier against various projectiles, offering some level of safety for those inside.
Although sangars are commonly associated with military contexts, they can also have practical applications outside of warfare. For instance, in areas prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, sangars may be built to provide temporary shelter or protection for affected individuals. Furthermore, they can be employed in remote areas for camping or hiking purposes, offering a secure spot to rest or seek refuge from the elements.
Overall, a sangar can be understood as a small, makeshift fortification designed to provide limited protection, often constructed using sandbags, stones, or other naturally available materials.
The word "sangar" is of Persian origin. It comes from the Persian word "sangār" (سنگر), which means "stone or rock fortification". The term was adopted into English through various colonial encounters and military contexts, particularly from the 19th century onwards, to refer to a type of defensive structure typically constructed using stones or rocks. In military usage, a "sangar" often refers to a temporary or makeshift fortification built for defensive purposes, such as protection against enemy fire during conflicts or war.
