militarize

especially British, mil·i·ta·rise

[mil-i-tuh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

militarized, militarizing 

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

Other Word Forms

• militarization noun
• remilitarization noun
• remilitarize verb (used with object)
• unmilitarized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of militarize¹

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

Example Sentences

The late Abbasid caliphs militarized their economy in an effort to wrest control from the dominant merchants.

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The administration has militarized Washington, D.C., and launched operations in blue cities including Memphis, Portland and Chicago.

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One example: After a militarized visit from federal agents in June to the Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet, vendors have been unable to regain their clientele.

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“It is time to end this unprecedented experiment in militarized law enforcement and conscription of state National Guard troops outside the narrow conditions allowed by Congress.”

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Daddis believes that “a twisted relation with faith and fear, if left unbroken, can only preordain the nation to a militarized way of life bounded by the grimness of war.”

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Related Words

• impel