demilitarize

verb

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

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 How to pronounce demilitarize (audio)
di-
noun

Synonyms of demilitarize

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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.
Spielman told The Associated Press that Israel's intelligence assessment is that Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military rather than genuinely demilitarizing. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Doron Spielman, spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister’s office, told the Associated Press that Israel’s intelligence assessment is that Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military rather than genuinely demilitarizing. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Even during the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union worked together on a wide range of issues, including a joint effort to spearhead the Antarctic Treaty, which has kept Antarctica demilitarized and facilitated scientific advancements at the Earth’s other pole. — David Balton, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 Under the 1979 treaty, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula bordering southern Israel was largely demilitarized. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 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

Rhymes for demilitarize

See All Rhymes for demilitarize

Browse Nearby Words

demilitarization
demilitarize
demilitarized zone
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Cite this Entry

“Demilitarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demilitarize. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of demilitarize for Spanish Speakers

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