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
Trump's deployment of guard troops doesn't quite meet the criteria of martial law.
—
Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
As The Boys season 4 ended, new U.S. President Calhoun swore allegiance to Homelander, declaring martial law, as Gen V shows some of the fallout, including humans having to wear identifying badges at Godolkin University.
—Zoe Kaplan, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Lee only took office in June after his predecessor was removed for declaring martial law.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Lee won South Korea’s presidential election on June 3, after his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached in April for previously declaring martial law in the country.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
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Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
As The Boys season 4 ended, new U.S. President Calhoun swore allegiance to Homelander, declaring martial law, as Gen V shows some of the fallout, including humans having to wear identifying badges at Godolkin University.
—Zoe Kaplan, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Lee only took office in June after his predecessor was removed for declaring martial law.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
Lee won South Korea’s presidential election on June 3, after his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached in April for previously declaring martial law in the country.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20law. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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