noun

demilitarisation

dee-mil-i-tuh-rye-ZAY-shuhn

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Demilitarisation (noun) means the reduction or removal of a state's armed forces from all or part of its territory, usually after fighting ends or under a treaty. Example: “The treaty required the demilitarisation of the border region within six months.”

noun

The reduction or removal of a state's armed forces from all or part of its territory, usually after fighting ends or under a treaty.

"The treaty required the demilitarisation of the border region within six months."

"International observers monitored the demilitarisation of the former conflict zone."

"Talks focused on the demilitarisation of the disputed island."

Turning a military or paramilitary group into an ordinary civilian organization.

"The demilitarisation of the militia turned former fighters into a civilian police force."

"Officials discussed the demilitarisation of the paramilitary group after the ceasefire."

How to use demilitarisation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishScaling back or removing a country's military presence somewhere.

When to use it

It's a formal term used mainly in politics, diplomacy and military contexts.

Memory tip

It's about reducing military forces in an area, not about disarming individual people.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

demobilisation

Common pairings

demilitarisation of a zone demilitarisation process gradual demilitarisation demilitarisation talks

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “demilitarisation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The treaty required the _____ of the border region within six months.

Etymology

Demilitarisation adds the prefix de-, showing removal or reversal, to militarisation.

Origin: English

Antonyms

militarisation

Related words

mobilization militarization

Rhymes for demilitarisation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for demilitarisation →

Frequently asked questions

What does demilitarisation mean?

It means reducing or removing a state's armed forces from an area, or turning a military force into a civilian one.

What is the opposite of demilitarisation?

Militarisation is its antonym, referring to building up armed forces rather than reducing them.

What is a demilitarised zone?

It's an area where armed forces have been removed or reduced, often as part of a treaty ending hostilities.

What is the meaning of demilitarisation?

"demilitarisation" (noun) means the reduction or removal of a state's armed forces from all or part of its territory, usually after fighting ends or under a treaty.

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