demilitarize
verb
de·mil·i·ta·rize
(ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz 
di-
demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes
1
a
: to do away with the military organization or potential of
b
: to prohibit (something, such as a zone or frontier area) from being used for military purposes
2
: to rid of military characteristics or uses
Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence
the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war
Recent Examples on the Web
The good news is that the Israeli military is succeeding in demilitarizing Gaza and dismantling Hamas’s military capability.
—
Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2024
Egypt denies arms are filtering through the buffer zone, which is demilitarized under the terms of the 1979 peace accord with Israel, and warned that bringing in troops would violate that agreement.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024
Under the peace treaty, Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai, which Egypt would leave demilitarized.
—TIME, 12 Feb. 2024
This is the key for the territory to be demilitarized under international supervision and in the framework of a two-state solution.
—Jean-Pierre Filiu, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2024
Israel, in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in the country’s history, announced their intent to remove Hamas from power in Gaza and demilitarize the terrorist group.
—Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023
However, Badran told the Journal that Hamas does not have plans to demilitarize or alter its position on Israel, at least while the occupation continues.
—NBC News, 21 Dec. 2023
Netanyahu said only the Israeli military can ensure Gaza remains demilitarized.
—Wafaa Shurafa, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2023
Netanyahu said Gaza would be demilitarized and that Israel would retain the ability to enter Gaza freely to hunt down militants.
—Najib Jobain, TIME, 12 Nov. 2023
Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2024
Egypt denies arms are filtering through the buffer zone, which is demilitarized under the terms of the 1979 peace accord with Israel, and warned that bringing in troops would violate that agreement.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024
Under the peace treaty, Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai, which Egypt would leave demilitarized.
—TIME, 12 Feb. 2024
This is the key for the territory to be demilitarized under international supervision and in the framework of a two-state solution.
—Jean-Pierre Filiu, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2024
Israel, in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in the country’s history, announced their intent to remove Hamas from power in Gaza and demilitarize the terrorist group.
—Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023
However, Badran told the Journal that Hamas does not have plans to demilitarize or alter its position on Israel, at least while the occupation continues.
—NBC News, 21 Dec. 2023
Netanyahu said only the Israeli military can ensure Gaza remains demilitarized.
—Wafaa Shurafa, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2023
Netanyahu said Gaza would be demilitarized and that Israel would retain the ability to enter Gaza freely to hunt down militants.
—Najib Jobain, TIME, 12 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demilitarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near demilitarize
Cite this Entry
“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
demilitarize
verb
de·mil·i·ta·rize
(ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz
: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification
a demilitarized zone
demilitarization
noun
(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
More from Merriam-Webster on demilitarize
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share