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
The last declaration of martial law was made in May 1980 by the Chun Doo-hwan military junta, which sent special forces units to violently quash pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
—
Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
One of the concerns now is that any protests could lead Trump to send in the military, resulting in a declaration of martial law.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
The season ends with Homelander essentially in charge of a country where martial law has been declared.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 9 June 2025
Yet Lee has vowed a full investigation into Yoon's martial law imposition and the reports surrounding his wife, moves that could overshadow the new government and inflame tensions as Yoon faces a high-stakes rebellion trial carrying a possible death sentence.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2025
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Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
One of the concerns now is that any protests could lead Trump to send in the military, resulting in a declaration of martial law.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
The season ends with Homelander essentially in charge of a country where martial law has been declared.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 9 June 2025
Yet Lee has vowed a full investigation into Yoon's martial law imposition and the reports surrounding his wife, moves that could overshadow the new government and inflame tensions as Yoon faces a high-stakes rebellion trial carrying a possible death sentence.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 June 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 20 Jun. 2025.
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