In fact, not surprisingly, the word is much older than that, per the American Heritage Dictionary:
"French patriote, from Old French, compatriot, from Late Latin patriōta, from Greek patriōtēs, from patrios, of one's fathers, from patēr, patr-, father"
And no, words, including "freedom fighter" and "terrorist" have real meanings, not ones we make up because we like them. Otherwise, communication breaks down.
In fact, not surprisingly, the word is much older than that, per the American Heritage Dictionary:
"French patriote, from Old French, compatriot, from Late Latin patriōta, from Greek patriōtēs, from patrios, of one's fathers, from patēr, patr-, father"
And no, words, including "freedom fighter" and "terrorist" have real meanings, not ones we make up because we like them. Otherwise, communication breaks down.