Demobilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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demobilize

 

[ diːˈmoʊbəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military settings

To demobilize means to discharge or release forces from active service, often after a conflict or military operation. This process involves returning soldiers to civilian life, and can include the management of equipment and resources that were used during their deployment. Demobilization can also refer to the transition of military resources into a non-combat capacity, ensuring a return to peacetime operations. It typically involves systematic planning to address the psychological and social reintegration of service members.

Synonyms

deactivate, discharge, release

Examples of usage

  • The army plans to demobilize thousands of troops next month.
  • After the war, the government worked to demobilize soldiers effectively.
  • The demobilization process included counseling for veterans.

Translations

Translations of the word "demobilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desmobilizar

🇮🇳 डिमोबिलाइज करना

🇩🇪 demobilisieren

🇮🇩 demobilisasi

🇺🇦 демобілізувати

🇵🇱 demobilizować

🇯🇵 除隊する

🇫🇷 démobiliser

🇪🇸 desmovilizar

🇹🇷 demobilize etmek

🇰🇷 제대시키다

🇸🇦 فك التجنيد

🇨🇿 demobilizovat

🇸🇰 demobilizovať

🇨🇳 解除动员

🇸🇮 demobilizirati

🇮🇸 afskrá

🇰🇿 демобилизациялау

🇬🇪 დემობილიზაცია

🇦🇿 demobilizasiya

🇲🇽 desmovilizar

Word origin

The term 'demobilize' originates from the prefix 'de-', meaning 'reverse' or 'remove', combined with 'mobilize,' which itself comes from the French word 'mobiliser', meaning 'to make mobile.' The roots of 'mobilize' can be traced back to 'mobilis', Latin for 'movable' or 'capable of movement.' The concept of demobilization became particularly relevant during the 20th century in the context of the two World Wars, where large-scale troop movements and assignments necessitated orderly processes for returning soldiers to civilian life. In modern terms, demobilization not only encompasses military personnel but also refers to associated logistical processes that ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian structures. The complexity of demobilization strategies has evolved, reflecting a deeper understanding of the psychological and social impacts of military service on individuals and communities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,832, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.