What does militarizing mean?
Militarizing is the present-participle and gerund form of militarize, meaning to make something military or organize it for military purposes. It may describe supplying an institution or population with weapons, training, or military organization, as when a government is said to be militarizing a border region. More commonly in political commentary, it has a figurative sense: to treat a civilian institution, controversy, or activity as a matter requiring military force. This use often suggests that military methods are being extended into areas that should be handled through ordinary political, legal, or social means. The word is generally neutral when describing the literal process, but it can be sharply critical when used figuratively. Its base verb, militarize, is commonly paired with objects such as society, the economy, or a border, while the related noun militarization names the broader process or policy.
verb (present participle and gerund)To make something military, especially by arming it or organizing it for military purposes. Figuratively, it means treating a civilian institution, dispute, or activity as a military matter.
- To equip an organization, place, or population with military organization, forces, or capabilities.
- To treat a civilian institution, controversy, or activity as if it required military force or military methods.
"The government was accused of militarizing the border and expanding the role of the armed forces in civilian affairs."
"The council debated whether militarizing the research facility would improve security."
"Her rhetoric seemed to militarize an ordinary political disagreement."
To militarize something is to give it weapons—and sometimes to make military thinking the answer to a problem that was never a war.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does militarizing come from?
The verb militarize was formed in the 19th century from military plus the suffix -ize, meaning to make or bring into a specified condition. Military comes through Old French from Medieval Latin militaris, derived from Latin miles, meaning “soldier.” Related English forms include militia, militant, and militarism, all of which belong to the same Latin military vocabulary.
Related word forms
How militarizing is actually used
The form is most common in analytical or political writing. Its figurative use often carries a critical connotation, suggesting that ordinary social or political problems are being treated as though they were military campaigns.
Easily confused with militarizing
Militarizing is an action or process, whereas militarism is a belief or policy that favors military power and methods.