Civilianize

/sɪˈvɪliənaɪz/ verb

Definition

To convert something from military to civilian use, or to remove military control from an institution or organization.

Etymology

From civilian + -ize (to make or become). Civilian derives from Latin civilis. The -ize suffix comes from Greek -izein and became the primary English verb-forming suffix.

Kelly Says

The verb 'civilianize' reveals a deep truth about modern society: governments consciously must work to shift institutions from military to civilian authority, which happened dramatically after 9/11 as many spy programs faced calls for civilianization.

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