martial law
noun
1
: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power
2
: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety
Examples of martial law in a Sentence
The government has imposed martial law throughout the city to stop the riots.
an area placed under martial law
Recent Examples on the Web
Ukraine was due to hold presidential elections last year, but the vote was delayed as the country is still under martial law as a result of Russia's invasion.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 13 Feb. 2025
Politics under martial law The sanctions come amid signs of increasing activity on Ukraine’s political landscape, as a push by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war with Russia opens up the possibility of a future election.
—Reuters, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
South Korea’s constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law to keep order in wartime and other comparable emergency states, but many experts say the country wasn’t under such conditions when Yoon declared martial law.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
South Korea's constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law to keep order in wartime and emergency situations, but many experts say the country was not under such conditions in December.
—Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Brennan, ABC News, 13 Feb. 2025
Politics under martial law The sanctions come amid signs of increasing activity on Ukraine’s political landscape, as a push by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war with Russia opens up the possibility of a future election.
—Reuters, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
South Korea’s constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law to keep order in wartime and other comparable emergency states, but many experts say the country wasn’t under such conditions when Yoon declared martial law.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
South Korea's constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law to keep order in wartime and emergency situations, but many experts say the country was not under such conditions in December.
—Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Articles Related to martial law
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20law. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share