militarize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “militarize” mean?
To equip or prepare for war.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To equip or prepare for war; to give a military character to.
To bring under military control or influence; to imbue with military values, structures, or discipline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English also accepts 'militarise'. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties when referring to civilian spheres.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in political and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “militarize” in a Sentence
[Subject: government/regime] militarize [Object: border/region/police][Subject: process] militarize [Object: society/culture]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “militarize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime sought to militarise the civilian population.
- Critics accused the mayor of trying to militarise the police force.
American English
- The administration moved to militarize the southern border.
- The treaty forbids either nation to militarize the arctic zone.
adverb
British English
- The border was managed militaristically. (Note: 'militaristically' is the adverbial form related to the adjective 'militaristic', not directly from 'militarize')
American English
- The region was governed in a heavily militarized fashion.
adjective
British English
- The militarised police presence was controversial.
- A highly militarised zone.
American English
- The militarized police response alarmed citizens.
- They entered a heavily militarized area.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in risk analysis: 'The conflict could militarize key trade routes.'
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, international relations: 'The study examines trends to militarize domestic policing.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Used in news discussions: 'People fear the government will militarize the response.'
Technical
Used in security and defence policy discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “militarize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “militarize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “militarize”
- Confusing 'militarize' (prepare for war) with 'mobilize' (prepare resources). Using it for individuals: 'He was militarized' (incorrect) vs. 'He was conscripted' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it is often used critically. In neutral contexts, it simply describes the act of preparing for war (e.g., 'militarize defences'). When applied to civilian institutions (police, schools), it is almost always negative.
'Arm' means to provide with weapons. 'Militarize' is broader: it includes providing weapons, but also imposing military command, discipline, structures, and values on an organisation or region.
Not typically. You conscript, enlist, or train a person. 'Militarize' applies to groups, institutions, areas, or systems.
The noun form is 'militarization' (US) / 'militarisation' (UK).
To equip or prepare for war.
Militarize is usually formal, academic, political, journalistic in register.
Militarize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tər.aɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ə.tə.raɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to cross the Rubicon (idiom for irreversible militarization)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MILITARY-ize' – to make something into or like the military.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS MILITARY STRENGTH; A STATE IS A FORTRESS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'militarize'?