martial law

noun

1

: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power

2

: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety

Examples of martial law in a Sentence

The government has imposed martial law throughout the city to stop the riots.

an area placed under martial law

Recent Examples on the Web

Yoon, who has already been in jail for months, faces eight criminal trials including his rebellion case over the martial law decree and other accusations. —Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

Ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo became the first Yoon administration official convicted of rebellion charges in relation to the martial law imposition in December 2024. —CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

After attempting one-man rule and declaring martial law, he was judged guilty of obstructing democracy. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

To retreat now, as the regime imposes silence and martial law, is abandonment. —Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for martial law

• allantois
• baccarat
• chickasaw
• mackinaw
• overawe
• oversaw
• quebecois
• yojana
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw

Kids Definition

martial law

noun

: the law applied by military forces in occupied territory or in an emergency

Legal Definition

martial law

noun

mar·​tial law

ˈmär-shəl-

1

: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power

2

: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety compare military law