Antimilitarism – Definition & Meaning

Antimilitarism is a term that has gained prominence in recent times, especially in the context of global conflicts and wars. It is a term that is often associated with pacifism and opposition to war and militarism. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antimilitarism in detail.

Definitions

Antimilitarism can be defined as the opposition to militarism, which is the glorification of military power and the belief in the use of military force to achieve political goals. Antimilitarism is a political and social movement that seeks to promote peace and non-violence, and to reduce the influence of the military on society.

Origin

The origins of antimilitarism can be traced back to the 19th century, when the first pacifist movements emerged in Europe. These movements were a response to the growing militarism and nationalism that led to the outbreak of World War I. The term “antimilitarism” was first used in Germany in the early 20th century, and it quickly spread to other countries.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antimilitarism is defined as “opposition to war or to militarism as a philosophy or policy”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the belief or practice of opposing the use of military force or the glorification of military power”.

Associations

Antimilitarism is often associated with pacifism, which is the belief in the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the rejection of violence. It is also associated with the anti-war movement, which seeks to prevent and end wars. Antimilitarism is often seen as a progressive and left-wing movement, although it has supporters across the political spectrum.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of antimilitarism include pacifism, non-violence, peace activism, and anti-war.

Antonyms

The antonyms of antimilitarism include militarism, war-mongering, and pro-war.

The same root words

Antimilitarism is derived from the Latin word “militaris”, which means “of soldiers” or “military”. The prefix “anti-” means “against” or “opposed to”.

Example Sentences

1. The anti-war movement is a form of antimilitarism that seeks to prevent and end wars.
2. The pacifist movement is closely associated with antimilitarism and non-violence.
3. The government’s militaristic policies are in direct opposition to the principles of antimilitarism.
4. Antimilitarism is a progressive movement that seeks to reduce the influence of the military on society.

Antimilitarism is a term that has gained increasing importance in recent times, as conflicts and wars continue to ravage different parts of the world. It is a political and social movement that seeks to promote peace, non-violence, and the rejection of militarism and war. Antimilitarism is closely associated with pacifism and the anti-war movement, and it is seen as a progressive and left-wing movement that seeks to reduce the influence of the military on society.