antimilitarism

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Opposition to militarism: "antimilitarism" refers to a doctrine, attitude, or movement that opposes the maintenance of strong military forces, the glorification of military values, or the use of military power as a means of achieving political goals.

Usage Examples

• (A stance against the emphasis on military strength.)
• (A movement opposing military policies.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be rooted in antimilitarism": to have its foundation in opposition to military ideals.

  • The organization's philosophy is rooted in antimilitarism, rejecting the use of force in international disputes. (The core belief is against militaristic approaches.)

• "a wave of antimilitarism": a widespread surge of opposition to militarism.

  • After the costly conflict, a wave of antimilitarism swept through the nation. (A large-scale public rejection of military priorities.)

Variants and Related Words

• Antimilitarist (adj or n): a person who supports antimilitarism, or relating to such a person.

  • She is a committed antimilitarist who organizes peace rallies. (A person who opposes militarism.)

• Antimilitaristic (adj): characterized by or expressing antimilitarism.

  • The antimilitaristic speech criticized the arms race. (Expressing opposition to military buildup.)

Synonyms

• Pacifism: the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable; a broader concept that often includes antimilitarism.
• Anti-war sentiment: general opposition to war, which can encompass antimilitarism.

Related Idioms

• Beat swords into ploughshares: to convert military resources to peaceful uses; an idiom reflecting antimilitarism.

  • The treaty encouraged nations to beat swords into ploughshares. (Transform military capacity into civilian benefit.)

• Make love, not war: a slogan expressing antimilitarism and a preference for peace.

  • The protesters chanted, "Make love, not war," as a call for antimilitarism. (A direct appeal to reject military conflict.)