martial law

noun

1. the law temporarily imposed upon an area by state or national military forces when civil authority has broken down or during wartime military operations.
2. the law imposed upon a defeated country or occupied territory by the military forces of the occupying power.

martial law

noun

1. the rule of law established and maintained by the military in the absence of civil law

Word History and Origins

Origin of martial law¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Singer is arrested, the Speaker of the House is named president and by executive order declares martial law, naming Homelander the country’s top cop.

From Salon

While elections were due this year, Ukraine’s constitution rules out a ballot during the time of martial law.

From BBC

Users on the pro-Trump forum Patriots.Win went a step further, calling for "borderline martial law to set the country right."

From Salon

Elections scheduled for March were suspended because of the war, and he will remain president under martial law powers, with his tenure potentially stretching as long as the war.

From New York Times

Prisoners serving in the army would be integrated into special units for the duration of martial law, meaning that they would not be demobilized until the end of the war.

From New York Times