militarize

verb

mil·​i·​ta·​rize ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz 

militarized; militarizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a military character to

militarize a country's foreign policy

2

: to equip with military forces and defenses

The area is now fully militarized.

a militarized zone

3

: to adapt for military use

militarization

ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of militarize in a Sentence

militarize a country's foreign policy

Recent Examples on the Web

More capable engines of this kind could easily be militarized to allow military satellites to reach orbit much more quickly. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Facing growing criticism over military restrictions in disaster zones, Venezuela’s interim government on Thursday defended its decision to militarize the state of La Guaira as the death toll from last week’s earthquakes climbed to 2,595. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Thousands remain missing and anger grows over a government response many see as slow and militarized, forcing civilians and foreign teams to lead chaotic search-and-rescue efforts. — Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the region has been militarized as additional humanitarian aid for those affected is on the way. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for militarize

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

Kids Definition

militarize

verb

mil·​i·​ta·​rize ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz 

militarized; militarizing

1

: to equip with military forces and defenses

2

: to give a military character to

militarization

ˌmil-ə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun