demobilize
C1Formal / Official
Definition
Meaning
To release someone from military service; to disband troops after a war or conflict.
To transition a person, group, or resource (like industrial capacity) from a state of military readiness or wartime activity to a civilian or peacetime status.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. The process often involves formal discharge procedures, the return of equipment, and social/economic reintegration. The state of being demobilized is 'demobilization' (noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling variant is 'demobilise'. In US, 'demobilize' is standard. The process name is 'demobilisation' (UK) vs. 'demobilization' (US).
Connotations
Both share formal/military connotations. In post-war contexts, it can imply large-scale social change and economic adjustment.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in historical/military texts in both variants. The term is less common in everyday speech outside specific contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Government/General] + demobilize + [armed forces/troops][Soldier] + be/get + demobilized + [from + army/after + war]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'demobilize']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'demobilizing a project team' after a major initiative, implying disbanding a temporary unit.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and sociological texts discussing post-conflict transition.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation; might appear in news reports about the end of a war.
Technical
Standard term in military logistics, peacekeeping, and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programmes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government began to demobilise conscripts shortly after the armistice.
- He was demobilised in 1946 and returned to his job in Leeds.
American English
- The Pentagon plans to demobilize two divisions next year.
- After serving three tours, she was honorably demobilized.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. Use phrases like 'as part of demobilisation' or 'post-demobilisation'.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form. Use phrases like 'during demobilization' or 'following demobilization'.]
adjective
British English
- [From derived noun] The demobilisation centre was bustling with returning soldiers.
- He received his demob suit upon leaving the army.
American English
- The demobilization paperwork took several weeks to process.
- Demobilized veterans often face challenges finding civilian employment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the war, many soldiers went home. (Concept only, 'demobilize' is too advanced for A2.)
- The country started to demobilize its army when the peace treaty was signed.
- My grandfather was demobilized in 1955.
- The costly war forced the government to demobilize half of its ground forces ahead of schedule.
- Successful reintegration programs are crucial for recently demobilized combatants.
- The complex demobilization process involved disarming units, providing transitional aid, and facilitating socio-economic reintegration into communities.
- Historians debate whether the rapid demobilization of the wartime economy contributed to the post-war recession.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE- (reverse) + MOBILIZE (call to arms). So, to demobilize is to reverse the call to arms, sending soldiers home.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MILITARY IS A MACHINE (to be disassembled). WAR IS A STATE (to be exited).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'демонтировать' (dismantle equipment) или 'расформировать' (disband an unit). 'Demobilize' фокусируется на статусе *людей*.
- Перевод 'демобилизовать' часто корректен, но английское слово более формальное и специфичное.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrectly using 'demobilize' to mean simply 'stop working' or 'disassemble machinery' (use 'dismantle').
- Using it intransitively without a passive structure, e.g., 'The soldiers demobilized' (better: 'The soldiers were demobilized' or 'The army demobilized the soldiers').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'demobilize' in a military context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Demobilize' typically refers to the large-scale process of releasing an army or large group from service at the end of a conflict. 'Discharge' is a broader term for the release of an individual from military service, which can happen at any time (e.g., medical discharge, dishonourable discharge).
Primarily people (troops). For military equipment, terms like 'decommission', 'deactivate', 'mothball', or 'dismantle' are more precise, though 'demobilize' can be used loosely in broader contexts referring to winding down all military resources.
Yes, but it's metaphorical or extended use. In business/project management, you might talk about 'demobilizing' a team or resources after a major project ends, meaning to disband the temporary group and reallocate assets.
The direct opposite is 'mobilize', meaning to prepare and organize troops for active service. Related antonyms include 'conscript', 'draft', and 'call up'.