military-industrial complex

[ mil-i-ter-ee-in-duhs-tree-uhl ]

noun

1. a network of a nation's military force together with all of the industries that support it.

military-industrial complex

noun

1. (in the US) the combined interests of the military establishment and industries involved in producing military material considered as exerting influence on US foreign and economic policy

military-industrial complex

1. A general term for the cooperative relationship between the military and the industrial producers of military equipment and supplies in lobbying for increased spending on military programs.

Notes

In his farewell address, President Dwight Eisenhower warned that the growth of this relationship would increase the militarization of American society and endanger the principles of democracy .

Word History and Origins

Origin of military-industrial complex¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

As part of Roberts’ plan to rebel against the uni-party, he called on the incoming administration to fully embrace and enlarge the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

The subjects we chewed over were almost exclusively technical topics, or history, or the sprawling, self-serving institution that Dwight Eisenhower christened the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

The arms industry, through the military-industrial complex, promotes and profits hugely from war, including in Ukraine and Gaza.

From Salon

One of the greatest threats to the Democratic Party is allowing the Trump-Vance ticket to depict itself as the one who will stand up to corporate power and the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

The military-industrial complex that Eisenhower talked about is a very powerful influence.

From Salon