Definition of demilitarizenext
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 demilitarize Somebody has to then-- demilitarize Gaza. CBS News, 10 May 2026 Then there is the intent to demilitarize Ukraine. Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 That phase includes limited border reopenings, efforts to demilitarize Gaza and discussions over postwar governance. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Zelensky has said that Ukrainian forces would be willing to leave the eastern part of the country if Russian troops also withdraw and the area becomes demilitarized, with an international coalition monitoring the region. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demilitarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demilitarize
Verb
  • During a 2021 mass shooting at a school in Oxford, Michigan, police responded within minutes of the emergency calls and disarmed a 15-year-old boy in a shooting that killed four students and injured seven others.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kevan Harris, an associate professor of sociology at UCLA who has studied the Iranian diaspora, said some of the ardently monarchist Iranians became disillusioned and demobilized when the war’s initial objective of regime change failed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • The bet was that engaging with several forces at the same time would avoid power vacuums that are quickly filled when one group demobilizes.
    Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demilitarize. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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