demobilize

verb

de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
ˌdē-
demobilized; demobilizing; demobilizes

transitive verb

1
2
: to discharge from military service
demobilization noun

Examples of demobilize in a Sentence

Both leaders agreed to demobilize their armies and sign the peace treaty.
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.
In Munich, demobilized soldiers, right-wing paramilitaries, and Communist militants fought in the streets, while leaders of the new Weimar Republic were routinely assassinated. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 The idea behind his main initiative, Total Peace, stems from a lesson learned from years of government efforts to end conflict in Colombia: demobilizing just one group empowers others to grow. Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2024 That would exceed the all-time high of 106.1 percent of gross domestic product in 1946, a year when the United States was still demobilizing from World War II and had not begun paying down the massive borrowing needed to fund a global military effort. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 June 2024 Although aviation resources had been demobilized, four fire engine crews and a helicopter remained engaged in fire suppression efforts, as confirmed by Susan Blake, spokesperson for Tonto National Forest. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demobilize 

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demobilize was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near demobilize

Cite this Entry

“Demobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demobilize. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

demobilize

verb
de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
(ˈ)dē-
1
: to dismiss from military service
demobilize an army
2
: to change from a state of war to a state of peace
demobilization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on demobilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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