demobilize

verb

de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
ˌdē-
demobilized; demobilizing; demobilizes
Synonyms of demobilizenext

transitive verb

1
: disband
2
: to discharge from military service
demobilization
di-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
ˌdē-
noun

Examples of demobilize in a Sentence

Both leaders agreed to demobilize their armies and sign the peace treaty.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Human Rights Watch verified videos published on social media that show children using explosives-laden drones, and interviewed family protection officers who work with children who have escaped from armed groups or have been allowed to demobilize. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Kevan Harris, an associate professor of sociology at UCLA who has studied the Iranian diaspora, said some of the ardently monarchist Iranians became disillusioned and demobilized when the war’s initial objective of regime change failed. — Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 The bet was that engaging with several forces at the same time would avoid power vacuums that are quickly filled when one group demobilizes. — Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026 Firefighters and equipment are starting to be demobilized as the Incident Management Team transfers command back to local authorities. — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demobilize

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demobilize was in 1850

Rhymes for demobilize

See All Rhymes for demobilize

Browse Nearby Words

demobilization
demobilize
democracy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demobilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demobilize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

demobilize

verb
de·​mo·​bi·​lize di-ˈmō-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
(ˈ)dē-
1
: to dismiss from military service
demobilize an army
2
: to change from a state of war to a state of peace
demobilization
di-ˌmō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce demobilize (audio)
(ˈ)dē-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on demobilize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for demobilize

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