demilitarize

verb

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

, di-\

demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes

Definition of demilitarize

transitive verb

1a : 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

Other Words from demilitarize Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about demilitarize

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Synonyms & Antonyms for demilitarize

Synonyms

disarm

Antonyms

arm, militarize

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally

Recent Examples on the Web

During his service, Mr. Kim developed a routine while posted at an observation post along the barbed-wire fences of the inter-Korean demilitarized zone. — Jonathan Cheng, WSJ, "The Secret to Surviving Military Service: Moisturizer, Foam Cleanser, Cucumber Face Mask," 23 Aug. 2018 Then Moon and Kim met for an historic summit at the peninsula’s demilitarized zone in April, and once again in May. South Korean officials then delivered Kim’s invitation for talks to Trump in the White House. — Time, "Singapore's Sentosa Island Takes an Unlikely Geopolitical Role as Host of the Trump-Kim Summit," 11 June 2018 Singapore had emerged as the likely host of the summit after Trump yielded to the concerns of his aides and backed off his desire to hold the meeting at the inter-Korean demilitarized zone. — Matthew Lee, Fox News, "Summit is set: Trump-Kim to meet June 12 in Singapore," 10 May 2018 The Striker has been demilitarized and stripped of all weapons. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "You Can Buy This Missile-Shooting Tank Killer for $36,000," 26 June 2018 Germany was demilitarized in 1945 and only began rebuilding slowly when West Germany joined NATO a decade later. — Alexander Smith, NBC News, "NATO ally Germany urged by U.S. to up its military spending," 26 Apr. 2018 In addition, teams of U.S. officials have arrived at the Korean demilitarized zone and in Singapore to prepare for the meeting. — Washington Post, "White House: US ‘continues to actively prepare’ for summit," 31 May 2018 Post-Ferguson, Black Lives Matter demanded that politicians demilitarize the police, no longer providing them with surplus army gear and weapons. — Lincoln Anthony Blades, Teen Vogue, "Police Shootings Are Gun Violence, Too," 29 Mar. 2018 The group is demanding that lawmakers increase the age for people to purchase weapons, ban military-style weapons and demilitarize police forces. — Joe Heim, Washington Post, "Thousands of students walk out of school in nationwide gun violence protest," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demilitarize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.