unmilitarized
Lacking armed forces
Unmilitarized describes an area or zone where military forces, weapons, or fortifications are absent or prohibited.
Unlike *demilitarized*, which implies military presence was removed, unmilitarized suggests military buildup never occurred: The border remained unmilitarized for decades.
The distinction is often subtle in practice, and the terms overlap considerably.
Made safe or captivated
- unarmedHaving no weapons
- civilianNon-military person
- noncombatantPerson not engaged in warfare
- unfortifiedLacking military defenses
undefended · weaponless · unguarded · unpatrolled · unpoliced · defenseless · unprotected · unsecured
Antiwar moral stance
- nonviolencePrincipled rejection of force
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- coexistenceSimultaneous presence together
diplomacy · reconciliation · ceasefire · armistice · accord · amity · conciliation · understanding
Neutral area between rivals
- nonalignmentRefusal to join blocs
- neutralityState of taking sides
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
negotiation · nonbelligerent · sovereignty · disengagement · deescalation · detente · mediation · conciliation
Protected sacred space
- havenShelter from danger
- refugePlace of safety
- safe zoneProtected area from threats
- protected areaConserved natural zone
preserve · reservation · demarcation · exclusion zone · no-fly zone · conservation area · heritage site · neutral territory
disarmed
Made safe or captivated
- unarmedHaving no weapons
- civilianNon-military person
- noncombatantPerson not engaged in warfare
unfortified · undefended · weaponless · unguarded · unpatrolled · unpoliced · defenseless · unprotected · unsecured · open city
pacifism
Antiwar moral stance
- nonviolencePrincipled rejection of force
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
coexistence · diplomacy · reconciliation · ceasefire · armistice · accord · amity · conciliation · understanding · tolerance
buffer zone
Neutral area between rivals
- nonalignmentRefusal to join blocs
- neutralityState of taking sides
- treatyBinding pact between nations
diplomacy · negotiation · nonbelligerent · sovereignty · disengagement · deescalation · detente · mediation · conciliation · territory
sanctuary
Protected sacred space
protected area · preserve · reservation · demarcation · exclusion zone · no-fly zone · conservation area · heritage site · neutral territory · enclave
unmilitarizedmilitarized
Equipped with combat capability
militarised · armed · fortified · garrisoned · heavily fortified
unmilitarizedbelligerent
Hostile and eager to clash
aggressive · hostile · warlike · combative · militant
militarized, militarize, militarization, demilitarize, demilitarized, demilitarization, military, militarily, militarism