demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
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 noun

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The Israeli leader also insisted that after the war, now entering its sixth week, Gaza would be demilitarized and Israel would retain security control there. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Nov. 2023 At the end of the war, Hamas should be totally disarmed and the Gaza Strip should be demilitarized, so that Palestinian civilians could live dignified lives within the Gaza Strip, and Israeli civilians could live without fear alongside the Gaza Strip. TIME, 16 Oct. 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of demilitarize was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near demilitarize

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

demilitarize

verb
de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification
a demilitarized zone
demilitarization
(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on demilitarize

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