martial law

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.

martial law

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of martial law¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

“This historical tradition boils down to a simple proposition,” she added: “This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yoon was detained in January and is facing a separate trial over a failed martial law bid last year that plunged the country into chaos and led to his impeachment.

From BBC

He tried to justify his failed attempt at martial law by claiming the country's institutions had been infiltrated by supporters of Pyongyang.

From BBC

Yoon was detained in January to face trial over a failed martial law bid last year that plunged the country into chaos.

From BBC

When To Use

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 ]