What does militarize mean?
Militarize means to make something military in character, organization, or purpose, usually by arming it or placing it under military control. The term is especially common in political discussion, where it can describe the militarization of police forces, borders, institutions, or public attitudes. Saying that a government has militarized a civilian agency usually implies that ordinary responsibilities are being handled through military methods, hierarchy, and equipment. The verb can also refer more broadly to the spread of militaristic beliefs, as when rhetoric or propaganda is said to militarize society. Its force is often evaluative rather than neutral: it may suggest that military power is being inappropriately extended into civilian life. Nevertheless, in narrower contexts, it can simply describe the preparation of personnel or equipment for military service. The related noun militarization denotes the process or state that results from such action.
verbTo give a military character or organization to something, especially by arming it or preparing it for war. It can also mean to make people or institutions more militaristic in attitude or behaviour.
- To equip, organize, or prepare something for military use.
- To make an institution, group, or society more militaristic in its outlook or organization.
- To cause people to adopt a militaristic attitude or way of thinking.
"The government resisted proposals to militarize the border police."
"The reforms threatened to militarize the country's traditional police force."
"Years of propaganda gradually militarized public attitudes toward the conflict."
Militarization can transform public institutions by putting force, uniforms, and military priorities at the centre of everyday life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does militarize come from?
Militarize was formed in English in the early 19th century from military and the suffix -ize, meaning “to make” or “to become.” The root ultimately comes through French from Latin militaris, which was associated with soldiers and warfare. Military, militia, and militant also reflect this Latin family of words, although their meanings and historical formations vary.
Related word forms
How militarize is actually used
The verb is often critical when used of police, politics, or society, suggesting an excessive reliance on military models. In British English, militarise is also standard.
Easily confused with militarize
Militarize is the verb describing the act of making something militaristic, whereas militarization is the resulting process or state.