The word "demobilise" is spelled with a "d" at the beginning, followed by "e-m-o-b-i-l-i-s-e". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /diːˈməʊbɪlaɪz/. The first syllable "di" rhymes with "be" and "see". The "e-m-o-b-i-l-i-s-e" syllables are pronounced as "ee-moh-buh-lize". The "l" is pronounced with a slight "uh" sound before the "ize". It means to discharge or release from military service or to dismantle military equipment. The spelling follows British English.
Demobilise, or demobilize in American English, is a verb that refers to the act of disbanding or discharging members of a military force, particularly after the end of a war. It involves the process of returning soldiers, equipment, and logistical support to civilian life or peacetime activities.
When a conflict or war concludes, the demobilisation process begins in order to transition from a state of warfare to a peaceful society. It typically involves the orderly and systematic release of combatants from their military duties, the cessation of hostilities, and the reintroduction of soldiers back into civilian life. This may include returning soldiers' weapons, uniforms, and other military resources to storage or decommissioning them altogether.
Demobilisation often involves administrative procedures such as finalizing paperwork, conducting medical examinations, providing necessary benefits or compensation, and organizing transportation for soldiers to return to their homes. It can also encompass various aspects of reintegrating soldiers into society, including job training, psychological support, and helping veterans reconnect with their families and communities.
The aim of demobilisation is to restore peace, ensure stability, and promote the successful reintegration of military personnel into civilian life. By facilitating the transition from war to peace, demobilisation plays a crucial role in the post-conflict revitalization of a nation, allowing former combatants to resume their roles as productive members of society and promoting long-term peace and resilience.
The word "demobilise" is derived from the combination of two roots: "de-" and "mobilise".
The prefix "de-" in English typically implies removal or reversal. It originates from the Latin prefix "de", which also means removal or separation.
The root "mobilise" comes from the word "mobilize", spelled with a "z" in American English. The term "mobilize" originates from the Latin word "mobilis", meaning "movable". It entered English usage in the early 19th century, primarily referring to military operations, when it meant to assemble troops and resources for active duty or warfare.
The addition of the prefix "de-" to "mobilize" creates the verb "demobilize", meaning the opposite or reversal of mobilization.