demobilize

[ dee-moh-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·mo·bi·lized, de·mo·bi·liz·ing.

1. to disband (troops, an army, etc.).
2. to discharge (a person) from military service.

demobilize

/ diːˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to disband, as troops, etc

Derived Forms

• deˌmobiliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·mo·bi·li·za·tion [dee-moh-b, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n] especially British, de·mo·bi·li·sa·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demobilize¹

First recorded in 1865–70; de- + mobilize

Example Sentences

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

Ukraine already suffers from a lack of trained soldiers capable of fighting, and demobilizing soldiers on the front lines now would deprive its forces of the most capable fighters.

From Seattle Times

But perhaps as important as what was included in the legislation is what was cut out — particularly a timeline for when conscripted soldiers will be demobilized.

From New York Times

In 2003, he joined a peace process under which paramilitary leaders demobilized in exchange for reduced sentences.

From Seattle Times

More men are avoiding military service, while calls to demobilize exhausted frontline soldiers have grown.

From New York Times

Related Words

• disarm
• disband
• withdraw