Martial is used to describe things relating to soldiers or war.
[formal]
The paper was actually twice banned under the martial regime.
Synonyms: military, soldierly, brave, heroic More Synonyms of martial
2. See also court martial
martial in British English
(ˈmɑːʃəl)
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of war, soldiers, or the military life
Derived forms
martialism (ˈmartialism)
noun
martialist (ˈmartialist)
noun
martially (ˈmartially)
adverb
martialness (ˈmartialness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin martiālis of Mars1
Martial in British English1
(ˈmɑːʃəl)
adjective
of or relating to Mars
Martial in British English2
(ˈmɑːʃəl)
noun
Latin name Marcus Valerius Martialis. ?40–?104 ad, Latin epigrammatist and poet, born in Spain
Martial in American English
(ˈmɑrʃəl)
(Marcus Valerius Martialis) a.d. 40?-104?; Rom. epigrammatist & poet, born in Spain
martial in American English
(ˈmɑrʃəl)
adjective
1.
of or suitable for war
martial songs
2.
showing a readiness or eagerness to fight; warlike
3.
of the army, the navy, or military life; military
SYNONYMY NOTE: martial refers to anything connected with or characteristic of war or armies, connoting esp.pomp, discipline, etc. [martial music, martial law]; warlike stresses the bellicose or aggressive nature or temperament that leads to war or resultsfrom preparations for war [a warlike nation]; military applies to anything having to do with armies or soldiers [military uniforms, police, etc.]
OPPOSITE: pacifist
Derived forms
martialism (ˈmartialˌism)
noun
martialist (ˈmartialist)
noun
martially (ˈmartially)
adverb
Word origin
ME martialle < L martialis, of Mars
Examples of 'martial' in a sentence
martial
Plus his martial arts skills are surprisingly effective.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is used in certain martial arts to reduce consciousness.
The Sun (2017)
Both men were martial arts enthusiasts.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Despite its global popularity, mixed martial arts still hovers on the fringes of sport here.
The Sun (2016)
THE blind Jedi warrior monk fights against the evil Empire using his staff and martial arts skills.
The Sun (2016)
New love is an expert in martial arts.
The Sun (2006)
It has not yet been decided if he will face a court martial.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Cage fighting is merely people competing against each other at mixed martial arts.
The Sun (2011)
An unofficial "martial law " had been imposed.
Clerk, Jayana & Siegel, Ruth Modern Literatures of the Non-Western World: Where the Waters Are Born (1995)
Genuine martial arts experts will be exempt from the new law.
The Sun (2007)
Are you an expert in martial arts?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Staff at the gym said he hid his past by pretending to be a former boxer and mixed martial arts specialist.
The Sun (2015)
If proven, he could face a court martial and military prison.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The Army yesterday confirmed three soldiers face a court martial.
The Sun (2011)
He has been charged with desertion and will face a court martial in July.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Edinburgh was placed under martial law, and the city streets again became clear.
Arthur Herman THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT: The Scots' Invention of the Modern World (2002)
I took up martial arts to keep fit and kept up the diet.
The Sun (2015)
From sumptuous love music to thrilling martial outbursts, he makes you want to sit through all five hours again.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
These appealed to the bright but intellectually lazy prince, who grew to hold military and martial values above all others.
Jonathan Gregson BLOOD AGAINST THE SNOWS: The Tragic Story of Nepal's Royal Dynasty (2002)
Atlantic City provides the setting for the story of two brothers who enter the biggest mixed martial arts contest in history.
The Sun (2011)
There are local, regional and national championships and mastery is measured in dans, just like a martial art.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Not the deepest of dramas, it contains much strong martial music, while the contrived love interest gives rise to touching numbers.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A woman came up to me, locked my wrists in a grip of steel and danced me round to the sound of martial music.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
martial
British English: martial ADJECTIVE
Martial is used to describe things relating to soldiers or war.
The paper was actually twice banned under the martial regime.
American English: martial
Brazilian Portuguese: marcial
Chinese: 军人的
European Spanish: marcial
French: martial
German: Kriegs-
Italian: marziale
Japanese: 軍隊の
Korean: 군의
European Portuguese: marcial
Latin American Spanish: marcial
(adjective)
Definition
of or characteristic of war, soldiers, or the military life
All three are renowned for martial prowess.
Synonyms
military
Military action may become necessary.
soldierly
brave
brave people who dare to challenge the tyrannical regimes
heroic
The heroic sergeant risked his life to rescue 29 fishermen.
belligerent
He was almost back to his belligerent mood of twelve months ago.
warlike
The Scythians were a fiercely warlike people.
bellicose
bellicose statements threatening tough action
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bellicose
Definition
warlike
bellicose statements threatening tough action
Synonyms
aggressive,
offensive,
hostile,
destructive,
defiant,
provocative,
belligerent,
combative,
antagonistic,
pugnacious,
hawkish,
warlike,
quarrelsome,
militaristic,
sabre-rattling,
jingoistic,
warmongering,
aggers (Australian, slang)
in the sense of belligerent
Definition
marked by readiness to fight
He was almost back to his belligerent mood of twelve months ago.
Synonyms
aggressive,
hostile,
contentious,
combative,
unfriendly,
antagonistic,
pugnacious,
argumentative,
bellicose,
quarrelsome,
aggro (Australian, New Zealand),
aggers (Australian, slang),
biffo (Australian, slang),
litigious
in the sense of brave
Definition
having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring
brave people who dare to challenge the tyrannical regimes
Synonyms
courageous,
daring,
bold,
heroic,
adventurous,
gritty,
fearless,
resolute,
gallant,
gutsy (slang),
audacious,
intrepid,
valiant,
plucky,
undaunted,
unafraid,
unflinching,
dauntless,
ballsy (taboo, slang),
lion-hearted,
valorous
Synonyms of 'martial'
martial
Explore 'martial' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of heroic
Definition
brave and courageous
The heroic sergeant risked his life to rescue 29 fishermen.