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militate
[ mil-i-teyt ]
/ ˈmɪl ɪˌteɪt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object), mil·i·tat·ed, mil·i·tat·ing.
to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily: His prison record militated against him.
Obsolete.
- to be a soldier.
- to fight for a belief.
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Origin of militate
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin mīlitātus (past participle of mīlitāre “to serve as a soldier”), equivalent to mīlit- (stem of mīles ) “soldier” + -ātus verb suffix; see -ate1
words often confused with militate
See mitigate.
OTHER WORDS FROM militate
mil·i·ta·tion, nounWords nearby militate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use militate in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for militate
militate
/ (ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt) /
verb
(intr; usually foll by against or for) (of facts, actions, etc) to have influence or effectthe evidence militated against his release
Derived forms of militate
militation, nounWord Origin for militate
C17: from Latin mīlitātus, from mīlitāre to be a soldier
undefined militate
See mitigate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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