/ ˈmɪlɪtərɪzəm; NAmE / noun
[ U ] (usually disapproving ) the belief that a country should have great military strength in order to be powerful
► mili·tar·ist noun :
Militarists ran the country.
► mili·tar·is·tic / ˌmɪlɪtəˈrɪstɪk; NAmE / adjective :
militaristic government
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 19th cent.: from French militarisme , from militaire or Latin militaris , from miles , milit- soldier.