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Militate: meaning, definitions and examples

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militate

 

[ ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To militate means to have a substantial effect or to influence a situation or outcome. This term is often used in legal and formal contexts to describe how certain factors work against or support a particular decision or condition. For example, when considering a court case, various elements may militate for or against a specific ruling based on facts or legal precedents.

Synonyms

affect, contradict, influence

Examples of usage

  • The evidence militates against his innocence.
  • Factors that militate in favor of a settlement include both party interests.
  • Several conditions militate against a quick resolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "militate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 militar

🇮🇳 संग्राम करना

🇩🇪 militieren

🇮🇩 berjuang

🇺🇦 війювати

🇵🇱 walczyć

🇯🇵 戦う

🇫🇷 militer

🇪🇸 militar

🇹🇷 savaşmak

🇰🇷 싸우다

🇸🇦 يقاتل

🇨🇿 bojovat

🇸🇰 bojovať

🇨🇳 作战

🇸🇮 boriti se

🇮🇸 berjast

🇰🇿 соғыс жүргізу

🇬🇪 მონაწილეობა

🇦🇿 mübarizə aparmaq

🇲🇽 luchar

Etymology

The word 'militate' originates from the Latin term 'militare', meaning 'to serve as a soldier'. This has evolved through various forms in Middle English and early modern English. Its initial usage was linked to military service, where the influences of different factors were often discussed in terms of warfare and strategy. Over time, militate began to be employed more broadly in legal and formal language to denote the influence of facts and circumstances in various contexts. Its transition signifies an expansion from strictly military implications to a broader application regarding causation and effect. The root concept remains centered on the idea of active influence, whether in combat, legality, or situational dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,924, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.