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

More complicated issues such as international forces taking over Gaza, who will govern it in the short and long term and demilitarizing Hamas are supposed to come later, after the hostages are freed.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

After the hostage handover, he said, “Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Israel has also imposed what is in effect a demilitarized zone over southern Syria, including Sweida, preventing the Syrian army from establishing its authority over the region.

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In its wake, Israel hardened its borders with Gaza and Lebanon, expanding outwards to establish demilitarized buffer zones.

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Now, they see Israeli forces routinely moving around their own village, parts of which jut into the demilitarized zone.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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