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.

---

martial law British  

noun

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

---

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

He took power after months of political upheaval triggered by his predecessor's declaration of martial law.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

They swept to victory last June, after the disgraced former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached for a bizarre six-hour attempt to declare martial law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The lawmakers had unanimously voted to strike down the martial law attempt, and within another three hours Yoon had backed down.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Yoon's time in front of the court is not over: he still faces two trials in connection with the failed martial law bid, and four others over corruption charges.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Officials declared martial law in New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow