militaristic
militaristic Lexical Profile
militaristic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Characterized by or advocating an aggressive policy of maintaining a strong armed force and being prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
"Historians analyzed how the empire's increasingly militaristic foreign policy contributed to regional instability."
Resembling or characteristic of soldiers or the armed forces in strictness, regimentation, or rigid hierarchy.
"The boarding school was known for its militaristic schedule, requiring students to wake at dawn and undergo daily room inspections."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'militaristic' with 'military': 'military' is a neutral descriptive term relating to the armed forces, whereas 'militaristic' carries a critical connotation, describing an excessive glorification of armed force or rigid, authoritarian discipline.
• Rhymes for militaristic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-19th century from 'militarist' plus the suffix '-ic', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'militaris' ('of soldiers or war'), from 'miles' ('soldier').