demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
di-
demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes
Synonyms of demilitarizenext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That phase includes limited border reopenings, efforts to demilitarize Gaza and discussions over postwar governance. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Reopening borders is among the challenging issues on the agenda for the phase now underway, which also includes demilitarizing the strip after nearly two decades of Hamas rule and installing a new government to oversee reconstruction. CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026 Other challenging issues include demilitarizing the strip after nearly two decades of Hamas rule and installing a new government to oversee reconstruction. Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 Zelensky has said that Ukrainian forces would be willing to leave the eastern part of the country if Russian troops also withdraw and the area becomes demilitarized, with an international coalition monitoring the region. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demilitarize

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of demilitarize was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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

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