martial law

American  

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.

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martial law British  

noun

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

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Usage

What is martial law? Martial law is when a state is put under control of the military, usually temporarily and as a result of an emergency or crisis that has broken down the usual civil authority and order. How is martial law pronounced?[ mahr-shuhl law ]

Etymology

Origin of martial law

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Yoon's time in front of the court is not over: he still faces two trials in connection with the failed martial law bid, and four others over corruption charges.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

"The declaration of martial law resulted in enormous social costs, and it is difficult to find any indication that the defendant has expressed remorse for that," the judge said.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

SEOUL—A Seoul court sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for leading an insurrection during a short-lived attempt to impose martial law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

The actor, who made her “Here Lies Love” debut in 2023 with Broadway’s first-ever all-Filipino cast, said that like many Filipino immigrants, her parents never voluntarily spoke about their time under martial law.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

“They’ve declared martial law all over the city,” he said, wide-eyed with fear.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep