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 presidential couple suffered a dramatic fall from grace after Yoon’s martial law imposition in December 2024 led to his impeachment and eventually removal from office. —ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

The couple suffered a fall from grace after Yoon’s martial law imposition in December 2024 led to his impeachment and eventual removal from office. —Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Because the film was made during censorship under martial law in Taiwan, the film was heavily cut. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026

And by 1987 Taiwan would lift martial law — imposed since 1949 — under pressure from protesters. —Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for martial law

• allantois
• baccarat
• chickasaw
• mackinaw
• overawe
• oversaw
• quebecois
• yojana
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw

Kids Definition

martial law

noun

: the law applied by military forces in occupied territory or in an emergency

Legal Definition

martial law

noun

mar·​tial law

ˈmär-shəl-

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 civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety compare military law