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
Yoon, a former top prosecutor, now stands a criminal trial on rebellion charges connection with his martial law decree.
—
Time, 24 Apr. 2025
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to seize control of the country by abruptly declaring martial law.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
Does that mean New York will still be under martial law during Thunderbolts*?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Fisk anoints Heather his Commissioner of Mental Health because the city is gonna need therapy after all this martial law and beating up of vigilantes.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
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Time, 24 Apr. 2025
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to seize control of the country by abruptly declaring martial law.
—Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
Does that mean New York will still be under martial law during Thunderbolts*?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Fisk anoints Heather his Commissioner of Mental Health because the city is gonna need therapy after all this martial law and beating up of vigilantes.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20law. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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