militarism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the belief or policy that a country should maintain powerful armed forces and use them to gain political or economic advantage

   The historian traced the regime's militarism through its budgets, speeches, and territorial ambitions.

2. 2
   noun

   the dominance of military institutions, methods, or values in civilian government and society

   Critics warned that growing militarism was weakening civilian oversight of the state.

Borrowed in the mid-nineteenth century from French militarisme, formed from militaire, 'military,' and -isme. French militaire ultimately comes from Latin militaris, from miles, 'soldier.' The word developed a critical sense for excessive military influence.

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