demilitarization 1 of 2

as in disarmament
the reduction or elimination of a country's armed forces or weapons the demilitarization of some formerly warlike nations that occurred in the aftermath of World War II

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demilitarize

2 of 2

verb

as in to disarm
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demilitarization
Verb
Israel demands that Hamas not continue to control Gaza, that Gaza be demilitarized of heavy weapons, and that senior Hamas military and political leaders in Gaza leave the strip and go into exile, the officials added. Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 Given this history, any Israeli government of the foreseeable future would demand that a Palestinian state be demilitarized, with severe restrictions of the weapons even a police force can carry. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 That plan would allow Israel to formally annex much of the West Bank and reject the return of Palestinian refugees, in exchange for regional investment and promises of a rump Palestinian state that would be demilitarized and lack sovereignty in any meaningful sense. Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025 The multinational force in Kosovo ensured Serbian forces' withdrawal and demilitarized the Kosovo Liberation Army—while also providing security and public safety, supporting humanitarian assistance and refugee return, and coordinating with the UN's governance mission. Nir Arielli, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demilitarization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demilitarization
Verb
  • This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed peace and a disarming peace, humble and persevering.
    NPR, NPR, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Research documents how political violence leads to political repression and demobilizes social movements.
    Dana R. Fisher, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Demilitarizing the economy and demobilizing the public would risk undermining the system that sustains his rule.
    Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demilitarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demilitarization. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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