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

The ousted leader is on trial for insurrection and other offences linked to his martial law bid, and could face the death penalty if found guilty.

From Barron's

When South Korea's leader declared martial law a year ago, one young woman blocked a tank, a civil servant resigned in protest and a lawmaker switched sides to remove him from office.

From Barron's

Yoon remains on trial for insurrection and other offences linked to his declaration of martial law.

From Barron's

Under pressure from his parents, Kolya moved to Poland just before his 18th birthday -- when he would have been blocked from leaving the country under martial law.

From Barron's

"This is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law," she wrote in her ruling.

From BBC