demilitarize

[ dee-mil-i-tuh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·mil·i·ta·rized, de·mil·i·ta·riz·ing.

1. to deprive of military character; free from militarism.
2. to place under civil instead of military control.
3. to forbid military use of (a border zone).

demilitarize

/ diːˈmɪlɪtəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to remove any military presence or function in (an area)

   demilitarized zone

2. to free of military character, purpose, etc

   11 regiments were demilitarized

Derived Forms

• deˌmilitariˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·mili·ta·ri·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demilitarize¹

First recorded in 1880–85; de- + militarize

Example Sentences

Israel has also pointed to what it says are “daily” violations along the demilitarized frontier by Syria.

From BBC

Vance zipped in afterward with a completely made-up plan about a "demilitarized zone" and a "guarantee of neutrality."

From Salon

As NPR noted, “It’s also a reminder that while the demilitarized zone divides the north and south, it did not sever centuries’ worth of Koreans’ shared family ties and culture.”

From Salon

Meanwhile, J Street’s proposal for a “demilitarized” Palestinian state matches Netanyahu’s plan for Israel to retain “security control” of all of Palestine to the Jordan River.

From Salon

In 1936, Hitler violated the terms of the Treaty of Versailles by sending troops into the demilitarized German Rhineland.

From Literature

Related Words

• deactivate
• demobilize
• disband
• neutralize
• occupy
• subdue