militarism

noun

mil·​i·​ta·​rism ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌri-zəm 

1

a

: predominance of the military class or its ideals

b

: exaltation of military virtues and ideals

2

: a policy of aggressive military preparedness

militarist

ˈmi-lə-tə-rist 

noun or adjective

militaristic

ˌmi-lə-tə-ˈri-stik 

adjective

militaristically

ˌmi-lə-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of militarism in a Sentence

The administration has been criticized for the militarism of its foreign policy.

Recent Examples on the Web

One frequent topic of discussion in its pages was Germany’s militarism, an original sin that had led the country into the Great War and paved the way for incipient fascism. —Longreads, 5 Dec. 2024

But the reality is that the projects of political elites in the 21st century—defined by militarism and the embrace of global economic and trade systems that prioritize corporate profits over economic and social well-being—have had vast costs. —Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024

Japan's neighbors view Yasukuni, which commemorates 2.5 million war dead including war criminals, as a symbol of Japan's past militarism. —Mari Yamaguchi and Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Which, in turn, speaks to themes about post-WWII Japan and the Cold War, weapons of mass destruction, and Japan’s specific position and culture regarding militarism, weapons, the Cold War, and Japan’s uniquely evolved and radically shifted perspective and position on the world stage. —Mark Hughes, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing militarism

• anti-militarism

Kids Definition

militarism

noun

mil·​i·​ta·​rism ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌriz-əm 

1

: control or rule by a military class

2

: extreme admiration and praise of military virtues and ideals

3

: a policy of aggressive military readiness

militarist

-rəst 

noun

militaristic

ˌmil-ə-tə-ˈris-tik 

adjective