martial

mar·tial

adj \ˈmär-shəl\

Definition of MARTIAL

1

: of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior

2

: relating to an army or to military life

3

: experienced in or inclined to war : warlike

— mar·tial·ly \-shə-lē\ adverb

Examples of MARTIAL

1. <the marching band played “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and several other martial airs>
2. <one of the basic tenets of martial law>

Origin of MARTIAL

Middle English, from Latin martialis of Mars, from Mart-, Mars

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MARTIAL

Synonyms: military, soldierly

Antonyms: unsoldierly

Related Words: aggressive, bellicose, combative, contentious, guerrilla, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike; belligerent, militant, militarist, militaristic, warring; antagonistic, argumentative, fierce, gladiatorial, hot-tempered; mercenary

Near Antonyms: civil, civilian, nonmilitary; conciliatory, nonviolent, pacific, peaceable, peaceful; affable, amiable, amicable, benevolent, complaisant, cordial, easygoing, friendly, genial, good-natured, gracious, ingratiating, obliging

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Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

Rhymes with MARTIAL

marshal, Martial, partial