rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydemobilizationRelease from active service
noun

demobilization

dee-moh-buh-luh-ZAY-shun/diːˌməʊbələˈzeɪʃn/

The process of ending active service in an organized force or effort.

During demobilization, former soldiers return their uniforms and leave in civilian clothes.

Former soldiers return uniforms at a depot and depart in civilian clothes, peaceful demobilization.
Etymology
deLatinundo, reverse
+mobilizationFrencha rendering movable

Mobilization came to mean putting troops in readiness for service. The reversing prefix makes demobilization the undoing of that process: releasing troops and returning military forces to a peacetime footing.

In context

CBS Chicago163:41
your here are your uh demobilization orders time to go home and then you come home
City council vote delayed for $70,000,000 migrant funding budget | Full coverage

More examples

  • Demobilization begins when the troops return home.
  • The army plans a gradual demobilization after the ceasefire.
  • Demobilization of the emergency response teams starts as floodwaters recede.

Forms

demobilization · demobilizations

demobilize verb — To release people from active service.

Similar words

disbandment
Emphasizes dissolving an organized group, not just ending active service.
discharge
Usually names an individual's formal release rather than a force-wide process.