demilitarize

especially British, de·mil·i·ta·rise

[dee-mil-i-tuh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

demilitarized, demilitarizing 

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

Other Word Forms

• demilitarization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demilitarize¹

First recorded in 1880–85; de- + militarize

Example Sentences

Other promises include recognizing the sovereignty of Ukraine and keeping troops out of a demilitarized part of the Donbas.

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That region would reportedly become a demilitarized zone under the plan.

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The resolution would authorize the force through 2027 and give it a mandate of demilitarizing Gaza and oversee its borders.

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On 18 October, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that "demilitarizing Gaza by destroying the terror tunnels and all terror infrastructure" was a "clear" part of Israel's security policy.

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At the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea he was asked by his North Korean escort if he wanted to shout “Yankee go home!”

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Related Words

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