Word
militarized
Phoneticsmil·i·ta·rized, stress on the first syllable
/ˈmɪɫətɝˌaɪzd/
UK spelling · militarised
Definition
adj. describing a place or group that has been equipped with military weapons or organized like an army. You use this when a civilian area starts to look or act like a war zone.
adj. equipped with military forces, equipment, or methods; converted to military use or character. Often used to describe police forces or borders that have adopted high-grade weaponry and combat tactics.
Examples
“The border became heavily militarized during the conflict.”
“Citizens expressed concern when the local police force appeared in militarized gear during the peaceful protest.”
“The treaty aimed to ensure the region remained a neutral zone, yet satellite imagery revealed a increasingly militarized landscape bristling with hidden fortifications.”
Examples
simple
“The border became heavily militarized during the conflict.”
contextual
“Citizens expressed concern when the local police force appeared in militarized gear during the peaceful protest.”
complex
“The treaty aimed to ensure the region remained a neutral zone, yet satellite imagery revealed a increasingly militarized landscape bristling with hidden fortifications.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “militarized” in context.
Verb
01. become militarized
“The protest zone quickly became militarized as armored vehicles arrived.”
verb + adj
02. militarized border
“The militarized border stretches for hundreds of miles across the desert.”
adj + noun
03. militarized police
“Concerns were raised about the use of militarized police during the civil unrest.”
adj + noun
04. militarized society
“The novel depicts a militarized society where every citizen is a soldier.”
adj + noun
05. remain militarized
“The disputed territory will remain militarized until a formal treaty is signed.”
verb + adj
Adjective
06. heavily militarized
“The border remains a heavily militarized zone despite the recent peace talks.”
adv + adj
07. increasingly militarized
“Critics argue that the police force has become increasingly militarized in recent years.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. militarized zone
“Civilians are strictly prohibited from entering the militarized zone.”
adj + noun
09. highly militarized buffer zone
“The two nations are separated by a highly militarized buffer zone.”
10. militarized approach to policing
“Human rights groups have condemned the militarized approach to policing urban areas.”
Usage
Typically used as a participial adjective; often modified by adverbs like 'heavily', 'highly', or 'increasingly'.
Real-World Examples
“The Houthi movement first emerged as a militarized political actor in Yemen in 2004 and has been locked in a multiyear civil war against the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed central government.” “One of several images shared by Reuters depicting the scene gained significant traction on social media, spotlighting the role of Mexico's militarized National Guard in managing migration, primarily from Central America.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/militarized