demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
di-
demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes

transitive verb

1
a
: to do away with the military organization or potential of
b
: to prohibit (something, such as a zone or frontier area) from being used for military purposes
2
: to rid of military characteristics or uses
demilitarization noun

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Until the takeover, the summit was demilitarized and patrolled by UN peacekeepers – their highest permanent position in the world. Eugenia Yosef, Andrew Raine and Irene Nasser, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024 Furthermore, Arab leaders must agree that Gaza’s reconstruction by the alliance will proceed only after the territory is fully demilitarized, at which point Israel must commit to withdrawing the IDF. Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024 Until Sunday, the summit was demilitarized and patrolled by UN peacekeepers – their highest permanent position in the world. Mick Krever, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 If Israel cannot fully remove Hamas from power, demilitarize the strip, and back a new authority in Gaza, then Hamas will likely reconstitute itself and fight another day. John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demilitarize 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of demilitarize was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near demilitarize

Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

demilitarize

verb
de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification
a demilitarized zone
demilitarization
(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on demilitarize

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