militarize

American  

[mil-i-tuh-rahyz] / ˈmɪl ɪ təˌraɪz /

especially British, militarise

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.

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militarize British  

/ ˈmɪlɪtəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to convert to military use

2. to imbue with militarism

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of militarize

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

Explanation

To make something (or someone) more heavily armed with weapons, especially in preparation for battle, is to militarize it. If a country militarizes, it's preparing for war or violent conflict. A nation that is militarizing might assemble and train various armed forces (like the Army and the Navy), ready tanks to defend an area, or send ships to sail into battle. When you militarize a police force, it starts to look more like an army. And if a company militarizes its personal security force, that may mean arming guards with guns and dressing them in bulletproof vests. The verb militarize comes from military and its Latin root miles, "soldier."

Example Sentences

We should also be wary of governments pushing to militarize AI.

From Scientific American • Jul. 27, 2023

“We’re not trying to militarize the church,” Marsh said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2022

“There’s no reason to militarize the situation,” said Gavan of the coast guard.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2021

“Once we figure out the particular wavelength needed, we can go to a manufacturer to see if they can militarize the camera and make it easier to use for growers.”

From Washington Times • Aug. 13, 2016

You can make a soldier, and a good soldier, of a humorist; but you cannot militarize him.

From England and the War by Raleigh, Walter Alexander, Sir

Related Words

• impel