militarize

[ mil-i-tuh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, mil·i·ta·rized, mil·i·ta·riz·ing.

1. to equip with armed forces, military supplies, or the like.
2. to make military.
3. to imbue with militarism.

militarize

/ ˈmɪlɪtəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to convert to military use
2. to imbue with militarism

Derived Forms

• ˌmilitariˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mili·ta·ri·zation noun
• remil·i·ta·ri·zation noun
• re·mili·ta·rize verb (used with object) remilitarized remilitarizing
• un·mili·ta·rized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of militarize¹

First recorded in 1875–80; militar(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

The pact bound signatory nations to refrain from militarizing space, and a later 1998 accord further spelled out rules for good behavior aboard the International Space Station specifically.

From Time

Real-time crime centers, by taking technology tested overseas and deploying it domestically, represent a less obvious example of militarizing local police departments.

From Voice of San Diego

In San Diego’s fiscal year 2022 budget, Mayor Todd Gloria separated the city’s Office of Homeland Security from its Police Department as part of a wider effort to de-militarize the city’s emergency response.

From Voice of San Diego

As part of a larger effort to de-militarize emergency responders and improve relations with communities of color, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released a list of proposed police reforms and public safety priorities last week.

From Voice of San Diego

The border was once heavily militarized, a symbol of the decades of sectarian violence that scarred the island.

From Time

Some leftists see the war as a U.S.-backed pretense to militarize Mexico and stifle activism.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• impel