civilianize

civilianize

The government decided to civilianize the airport's security force.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To convert from military to civilian status or control: "civilianize" means to change the character, personnel, or administration of an organization, position, or system so that it is no longer under military authority or staffed by military personnel, and instead operates under civilian oversight or employs civilians.
    • To make less military in nature: It can also refer to reducing the military aspect of a function, role, or institution, giving it a more civilian-oriented purpose or appearance.
Usage Examples
  • (To change those roles from military to civilian staff and management.)
  • (To convert the police from a military to a civilian organization.)
  • (To make the department operate under civilian rather than military control.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to civilianize a position": to change a job or role so that it is filled by a civilian instead of a military member.

    • The base commander decided to civilianize the logistics coordinator post, allowing a civilian expert to handle supplies. (The job was reclassified for a civilian employee.)

  • "civilianized society": a society that has transitioned from a military-dominated structure to one governed by civilian institutions.

    • The post-conflict nation worked hard to civilianize its government, reducing the influence of the military in politics. (To shift power from military to civilian leaders.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Civilianization (noun): the process or result of making something civilian.

    • The civilianization of the airport security staff led to fewer complaints about aggressive behaviour. (The act of converting to civilian control or staffing.)

  • Civilian (noun/adjective): a person not in the armed forces or the police; relating to non-military life.

    • He worked as a civilian contractor for the army. (A non-military employee.)
Synonyms

  • Demilitarize: to remove military forces or character from something.

    • The treaty required both sides to demilitarize the border zone. (To make it non-military.)

  • Civilianize is more specific than "demilitarize," as it focuses on replacing military personnel or control with civilian equivalents.

Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms