demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˌ)dē-ˈmi-lə-tə-ˌrīz 

di-

demilitarized; demilitarizing; demilitarizes

transitive verb

1

a

: to do away with the military organization or potential of

b

: to prohibit (something, such as a zone or frontier area) from being used for military purposes

2

: to rid of military characteristics or uses

demilitarization

(ˌ)dē-ˌmi-lə-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

di-

noun

Synonyms

• disarm

Examples of demilitarize in a Sentence

the two nations agreed to demilitarize themselves reciprocally in hopes of avoiding war

Recent Examples on the Web

Israel demands that Hamas not continue to control Gaza, that Gaza be demilitarized of heavy weapons, and that senior Hamas military and political leaders in Gaza leave the strip and go into exile, the officials added. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025

Maybe Gaza can be appended to neighboring Egypt, or be an international protectorate, totally demilitarized. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Japan’s strict policies about personal weaponry stem from being demilitarized by Allied forces immediately after World War II. —Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025

Given this history, any Israeli government of the foreseeable future would demand that a Palestinian state be demilitarized, with severe restrictions of the weapons even a police force can carry. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for demilitarize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Kids Definition

demilitarize

verb

de·​mil·​i·​ta·​rize (ˈ)dē-ˈmil-ə-tə-ˌrīz 

: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortification

a demilitarized zone

demilitarization

(ˌ)dē-ˌmil-ə-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən

noun