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
Dismay over Ukraine Making matters worse for Kyiv is growing unrest at a domestic level, with misgivings over ongoing martial law, the lack of elections and the wartime leadership of Zelenskyy.
—
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Thailand took steps in preparation for war on Friday, declaring martial law in parts of the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is back in custody over an independent investigation into his declaration of martial law last year.
—Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
The Constitutional Court ousted him as president in April, upholding parliament’s impeachment for the martial law bid, which shocked South Koreans and triggered months of political turmoil.
—Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for martial law
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Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 July 2025
Thailand took steps in preparation for war on Friday, declaring martial law in parts of the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is back in custody over an independent investigation into his declaration of martial law last year.
—Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
The Constitutional Court ousted him as president in April, upholding parliament’s impeachment for the martial law bid, which shocked South Koreans and triggered months of political turmoil.
—Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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