demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz 

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

(ˌ)dē-ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

di-

noun

Synonyms

• disarm

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The Biden administration says the basis for any cease-fire deal is to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which would require a wide swath of southern Lebanon to be demilitarized, up to the Litani River. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

The answer is clear: empower and support Israel to finish the job, comprehensively defeating and demilitarizing Hezbollah and transferring control of Lebanon back to the Lebanese people and the Lebanese Armed Forces. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz 

: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification

a demilitarized zone

demilitarization

(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən

noun