military government: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political, News
Quick answer
What does “military government” mean?
A government run by military officers, established after taking power by force, typically suspending constitutional rule.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A government run by military officers, established after taking power by force, typically suspending constitutional rule.
A regime where the armed forces directly exercise political authority, often replacing civilian institutions; this can be a temporary junta or a longer-term dictatorship under military control. Also refers to occupation administration by an invading force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both use 'military government'. The term 'junta' is more common in British news to describe a specific military ruling council.
Connotations
Strongly negative connotations in both dialects, associated with coups, repression, and suspension of civil liberties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in political/academic discourse. Slightly more common in US discourse regarding Latin American or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “military government” in a Sentence
The [country] was under a military government for [time period].A military government was established following the [coup/revolt].The military government [verb e.g., cracked down on, dissolved].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “military government” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The generals sought to militarily govern the region.
- The country was militarily governed for a decade.
American English
- The regime moved to militarily govern the population.
- They attempted to militarily govern after the coup.
adverb
British English
- The country was governed military-fashion.
- It was run, military-government style, with strict curfews.
American English
- The region was administered military-style.
- They ruled, in a military-government manner, with an iron fist.
adjective
British English
- The military-governmental policies were harsh.
- They faced military-governmental oppression.
American English
- The military-governmental control was absolute.
- A military-governmental takeover seemed imminent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in risk analysis reports: 'Investment is risky under the new military government.'
Academic
Used in political science/history: 'The study compares economic performance under civilian and military governments.'
Everyday
Used in news discussions: 'The country has been taken over by a military government.'
Technical
Used in international law/political theory: 'The legality of treaties signed by a military government is contested.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “military government”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “military government”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “military government”
- Using 'militant government' (implies ideological extremism, not necessarily army control).
- Using plural 'military governments' when referring to one regime's rule over time: 'The military government has...' not 'have...'.
- Confusing with 'martial law', which is a temporary legal state, not a form of government.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, but not always. A military government is a type of dictatorship where the military holds direct power. However, some dictatorships are led by civilians or a single party, not directly by the military command.
Typically, it is considered extra-legal or unconstitutional, as it comes to power by force, suspending the normal legal order. However, some may later seek to legitimize themselves through new constitutions or controlled elections.
Martial law is the temporary imposition of direct military control of civilian functions, usually during an emergency. A military government is a full political regime where the military permanently replaces civilian institutions as the ruling authority.
As of 2024, countries like Myanmar (since the 2021 coup) and several Sahel nations (e.g., Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) have been described as under military government or junta rule.
A government run by military officers, established after taking power by force, typically suspending constitutional rule.
Military government is usually formal, academic, political, news in register.
Military government: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tri ˈɡʌv.ən.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪ.ter.i ˈɡʌv.ɚn.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The generals are in charge.”
- “Rule by the barracks.”
- “Boots on the ground, hands on the levers of power.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MILITARY wears uniforms and fights; GOVERNMENT makes laws. A MILITARY GOVERNMENT is when the fighters make the laws, not the elected civilians.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT IS A MACHINE → A military government is a machine operated by force and hierarchy, not by popular will.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a military government?