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
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.
The Biden administration says the basis for any cease-fire deal is to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which would require a wide swath of southern Lebanon to be demilitarized, up to the Litani River. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024 The answer is clear: empower and support Israel to finish the job, comprehensively defeating and demilitarizing Hezbollah and transferring control of Lebanon back to the Lebanese people and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Israeli leaders have said their military operations in Gaza would not cease until Hamas is demilitarized and removed from power in the strip, making negotiations difficult for intermediaries attempting to broker another truce. Mike Brest, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Jan. 2024 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near demilitarize

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 3 Dec. 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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