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

Senior administration officials said the president is not considering declaring martial law or pushing officials not to certify the results. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

There’s even talk of ballot boxes being seized, martial law being declared, armed allies of Trump at polling stations, and ICE agents prowling around. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Trump’s allies have also been urging the President to potentially take drastic measures, including declaring martial law to seize ballots. — Philip Wang, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Ukraine’s constitution bars elections from being held under martial law, which was introduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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