Antimilitary: meaning, definitions and examples
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antimilitary
[ ˌæntiˈmɪlɪˌtɛri ]
political stance
Antimilitary refers to an attitude, belief, or policy that is opposed to military principles, practices, or the existence of military forces. This term is often associated with peace movements that advocate for disarmament or the reduction of military expenditures.
Synonyms
antiwar, nonmilitant, pacifist.
Examples of usage
- The antimilitary protests drew hundreds of activists.
- Many artists express their antimilitary views through their work.
- Her antimilitary stance influenced her political activism.
Etymology
The term 'antimilitary' is derived from the prefix 'anti-', meaning against, and 'military', which stems from the Latin word 'militari' meaning 'to serve as a soldier'. The concept of being antimilitary gained significant attention during periods of conflict, particularly during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, when large segments of the population began to vocalize their opposition to military involvement in foreign affairs. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader critique of militarism and its impacts on society, culture, and international relations. The antimilitary movement often intersects with various social and political movements focused on peace, human rights, and disarmament, aligning with the idea that military forces can exacerbate tensions and lead to conflict rather than resolution.