demobilize

verb

de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

ˌdē-

demobilized; demobilizing; demobilizes

transitive verb

1

: disband

2

: to discharge from military service

demobilization

di-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌdē-

noun

Examples of demobilize in a Sentence

Both leaders agreed to demobilize their armies and sign the peace treaty.

Recent Examples on the Web

The group’s 40,000 fighters promised to demobilize and join civilian life. — Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

In fact, Leon Kauffer and Emile Souter were both demobilized French aviators in their early 20s, and well out of their depth. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Human Rights Watch verified videos published on social media that show children using explosives-laden drones, and interviewed family protection officers who work with children who have escaped from armed groups or have been allowed to demobilize. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Geoff Bland, senior vice president with LCP, said the gas generators will be operational through the end of 2027 after which they will be demobilized and moved offsite. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for demobilize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

demobilize

verb

de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz 

(ˈ)dē-

1

: to dismiss from military service

demobilize an army

2

: to change from a state of war to a state of peace

demobilization

di-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

(ˈ)dē-

noun