militarism
gb/mˈɪlɪtɚˌɪzəm/ us/mˈɪlɪtɚˌɪzəm/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
1
pro-military ideology or policy
the belief that a country should have a very strong military and use force to solve problems
Usage pattern:
militarism; [country's] militarism; a policy of militarism
Common mistake:
Do not confuse militarism with military, which is an adjective or noun referring to the armed forces themselves.
Synonyms
hawkishness (emphasizes support for military action, especially in foreign policy)
|
jingoism (adds a sense of extreme nationalism and aggressive patriotism)
|
war-mindedness (more direct and less formal; focuses on willingness to go to war)
Antonyms
pacifism (the belief that war and violence should be avoided)
|
anti-militarism (opposition to militarism and excessive military influence)
|
diplomacy (the use of negotiation rather than military force)
Collocations
aggressive militarism
|rising militarism
|national militarism
|state militarism
|a policy of militarism
|oppose militarism
|promote militarism
|the dangers of militarism
|militarism and nationalism
|militarism and imperialism
Themes
politics
|war
|government
|international_relations
|ideology
Examples
- Critics accused the government of promoting militarism through its huge defense budget and aggressive rhetoric.
- The novel is often read as a warning against nationalism and militarism.
- After years of war, many citizens rejected militarism and called for diplomacy.
Learner examples
- Militarism can make war seem like the first answer.
- The group protested against militarism.
Noun
formal
C1
state
2
military dominance in society
a situation where military ideas and organizations have too much influence in ordinary life or government
Usage pattern:
militarism in [society/place/institution]; the militarism of [society/place/institution]
Common mistake:
Militarism is usually critical in tone; it often suggests that military influence is too strong.
Synonyms
military dominance (more literal; focuses on control or influence by the armed forces)
|
militarization (emphasizes the process of becoming more military-like)
|
martial culture (focuses on social values associated with soldiers and war)
Antonyms
civilian control (emphasizes non-military authority over government and society)
|
demilitarization (the reduction of military presence or influence)
|
pacifism (opposes the social acceptance or glorification of war)
Collocations
cultural militarism
|social militarism
|institutional militarism
|everyday militarism
|the spread of militarism
|the growth of militarism
|challenge militarism
|resist militarism
|militarism in schools
|militarism in society
Themes
society
|politics
|war
|culture
|government
Examples
- The parade was criticized as a sign of growing militarism in public life.
- Some historians argue that the empire's schools helped spread militarism among young people.
- The documentary examines militarism in sports, advertising, and popular entertainment.
Learner examples
- Some people worry about militarism in schools.
- The film shows militarism in everyday life.
Grammar
Dictionary form
militarism
IPA
GB/mˈɪlɪtɚˌɪzəm/
US/mˈɪlɪtɚˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
mil - it - ar - ism (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mil)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: militarism
- Plural: militarism
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.