noun
militarism
MIL-ih-tuh-riz-um
Militarism (noun) means the belief that a strong military is the basis of a society's security and should be its main priority. Example: “Critics accused the government of promoting militarism in schools.”
noun
1
The belief that a strong military is the basis of a society's security and should be its main priority.
"Critics accused the government of promoting militarism in schools."
"The country's militarism shaped its politics for decades."
"Many pacifists oppose militarism on principle."
2
A heavy focus on military force, or an excessive readiness to use it.
"The speech was condemned as reckless militarism."
"Growing militarism in foreign policy worried many voters."
How to use militarism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting military strength and force at the centre of a society or its policy.
When to use it
It is usually used in political or historical writing and often carries a critical tone.
Memory tip
Militarism describes an ideology or attitude, not the military itself.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
militancy
Common pairings
rise of militarism
growing militarism
oppose militarism
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Critics accused the government of promoting _____ in schools.
Etymology
The word comes from French militarisme. It can be analysed as military plus the suffix -ism.
Antonyms
anti-militarism
Rhymes for militarism
See all rhymes for militarism →Frequently asked questions
What does militarism mean?
Militarism is the belief that the military is the foundation of a society's security and its most important part. It can also mean an excessive focus on military force.
What is the opposite of militarism?
The term anti-militarism is the usual opposite. It describes opposition to militarism.
Is militarism a countable noun?
It is mostly used as an uncountable noun, although a plural, militarisms, is possible.
What is the meaning of militarism?
"militarism" (noun) means the belief that a strong military is the basis of a society's security and should be its main priority.
