1. to give a military character to something or to organize something along military lines
2. to equip with military forces and defenses

Examples

• The government decided to militarize the border region.
• Critics argued that the police force had become too militarized.
• The country began to militarize its space program.
• They chose to militarize the coastal areas for defense.
• The region was militarized following the territorial dispute.
• Many nations militarized rapidly during the arms race.
• The administration’s plan would militarize several key industries.