military-industrial complex

American  

[mil-i-ter-ee-in-duhs-tree-uhl] / ˈmɪl ɪˌtɛr i ɪnˈdʌs tri əl /

noun

1. a network of a nation's military force together with all of the industries that support it.

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military-industrial complex British  

noun

1. (in the US) the combined interests of the military establishment and industries involved in producing military material considered as exerting influence on US foreign and economic policy

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military-industrial complex Cultural  

1. A general term for the cooperative relationship between the military and the industrial producers of military equipment and supplies in lobbying for increased spending on military programs.

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In his farewell address, President Dwight Eisenhower warned that the growth of this relationship would increase the militarization of American society and endanger the principles of democracy.

Etymology

Origin of military-industrial complex

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

military-industrial complex

We have perfected the military-industrial complex in a way that no other nation in history has.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

"We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran's military-industrial complex access to the US financial system," he added in a statement.

From Barron's ● Dec. 30, 2025

The Russian defence ministry said it had targeted Ukrainian "military-industrial complex plants and supporting energy facilities".

From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2025

SEOUL, South Korea — Taiwan on Thursday officially unveiled its first domestically built submarine, showcasing both a potentially potent new weapon and the sophistication of the island’s military-industrial complex.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 28, 2023

President Dwight Eisenhower, in his farewell speech in January 1961, railed against the United States’ growing military-industrial complex.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly