demobilize

American  

[dee-moh-buh-lahyz] / diˈmoʊ bəˌlaɪz /

especially British, demobilise

verb (used with object)

demobilized, demobilizing

1. to disband (troops, an army, etc.).

2. to discharge (a person) from military service.

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demobilize British  

/ diːˈməʊbɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to disband, as troops, etc

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Other Word Forms

• demobilization noun

Etymology

Origin of demobilize

First recorded in 1865–70; de- + mobilize

Example Sentences

The Army Corps and its contractors initially aimed to demobilize by Jan. 8, 2026, the one-year anniversary of the fires, but federal cleanup efforts finished much earlier than expected.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

A delegate for Los Shottas told The Associated Press that the group hopes for peace, but would only demobilize if every single armed group in Colombia also sets down their weapons.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2023

Petro has pushed for what he calls a “total peace” that would demobilize all of the country’s remaining rebel groups as well as its drug trafficking gangs.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

Party officials said they will not fully demobilize until Eritrea withdraws, as the Tigrayans are worried about ongoing attacks from their northern neighbor.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2022

I shall exhibit a paper covered with seals to a scribe at the G.M.P., who will utter a few lamentations as a matter of form, and demobilize me with much grumbling.

From General Bramble by Maurois, André

Related Words

• disarm
• disband
• withdraw