demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz 

di-

demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes

transitive verb

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

demilitarization

(ˌ)dē-ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

di-

noun

Synonyms of demilitarize

• disarm
• demobilize

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

Recent Examples on the Web

Among its stickier points is the establishment of a coalition of international troops to ensure Gaza is demilitarized. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

The Americans themselves won’t contribute boots on the ground and are struggling to assemble an international force willing to enter Gaza to demilitarize the strip, according to an Israeli official. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025

Gaza will be demilitarized, and Hamas will be disarmed, the easy way or the hard way. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

Trump holds the cards for success or failure in demilitarizing Gaza and deradicalizing the Palestinians. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for demilitarize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

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

(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən

noun