What does remilitarize mean?
Remilitarize means to restore armed forces, military equipment, or a country's military preparedness to an active state, particularly after a period of demilitarization. The verb is commonly used in political and historical discussions of states that have reduced their armies or restricted military activity and later sought to rebuild their capabilities. It can also describe returning vehicles, weapons, or other equipment to military service. Remilitarize differs slightly from the broader term rearm, because it often suggests the renewal or restoration of something that was previously military. The word may carry a critical connotation when applied to a country perceived as violating an arms limitation, demilitarization agreement, or postwar settlement. In neutral or technical contexts, it can simply describe the practical restoration of military capability. Its noun derivative, remilitarization, names the process itself.
verbTo equip or return armed forces, a country, or military equipment to a state of military readiness or service, especially after a period of demilitarization.
- To restore a country or armed forces to a state of military readiness.
- To return military equipment to active military service.
"The government sought to remilitarize its border forces without expanding the country's overall military command."
"The country began to remilitarize after several years of civilian oversight of its armed forces."
"The workshop remilitarized old transport vehicles for use by the army."
When a supposedly disarmed nation rebuilds its armed forces, the process is called remilitarization.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remilitarize come from?
Remilitarize was formed in English by combining the prefix re- with militarize. Militarize derives from military, which came through Old French from the Latin adjective militaris, meaning “of soldiers” or “pertaining to war.” The Latin root ultimately relates to miles, meaning “soldier,” and also underlies cognates such as militia and militate.
Related word forms
How remilitarize is actually used
Usually transitive and chiefly used in political, military, and historical contexts. It often implies a return to a previous military status rather than the initial establishment of armed forces.
Easily confused with remilitarize
Demilitarize means to strip a country or armed forces of military capability, whereas remilitarize means to restore or rebuild that capability.