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
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—
Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
The episode features an assassination plot and political violence as a fictional version of the United States descends into martial law.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 18 July 2024
From 1948 through 1966, Israel held all Palestinians citizens under martial law, limiting their movement and access to opportunities and resources.
—Marjorie N. Feld, The Conversation, 20 June 2024
Numerous Chinese citizens draw inspiration from Taiwan’s political transition from martial law to democracy, which offers a model for what China could become.
—Andrew S. Erickson, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for martial law 
Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
The episode features an assassination plot and political violence as a fictional version of the United States descends into martial law.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 18 July 2024
From 1948 through 1966, Israel held all Palestinians citizens under martial law, limiting their movement and access to opportunities and resources.
—Marjorie N. Feld, The Conversation, 20 June 2024
Numerous Chinese citizens draw inspiration from Taiwan’s political transition from martial law to democracy, which offers a model for what China could become.
—Andrew S. Erickson, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for martial law
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'martial law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Martial law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20law. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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