martial law

noun

1
: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power
2
: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety

Examples of martial law in a Sentence

The government has imposed martial law throughout the city to stop the riots. an area placed under martial law
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seoul, South Korea CNN — South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, who lawmakers voted to impeach over his declaration of martial law, has been freed from detention after prosecutors decided not to appeal a court decision canceling his arrest. Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025 Reality check: Ukraine has been under martial law since the invasion began, and its constitution does not allow for elections in such a scenario. Dave Lawler, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025 Marcos’ declaration of martial law in 1972, which suspended most civil liberties, shuttered what had been Asia’s freest press. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 Trump and his advisers such as Elon Musk have criticized Ukraine’s indefinite postponement of elections scheduled for 2024, delayed because the country is under martial law following its invasion by Russia. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for martial law

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of martial law was in 1576

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Cite this Entry

“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20law. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

martial law

noun
: the law applied by military forces in occupied territory or in an emergency

Legal Definition

martial law

noun
mar·​tial law
ˈmär-shəl-
1
: the law applied in occupied territory by the military authority of the occupying power
2
: the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety compare military law

More from Merriam-Webster on martial law

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