verb

militate

MIL-ih-tayt/mˈɪlɪtˌeɪt/

To have force or influence against something.

Bad weather militates against going ahead with the trip.

Large weight shaped like storm cloud presses opposing side of balance against small travel suitcase, adverse weather weighs against travel plan; restrained symbolic editorial drawing, no labels or words.

Etymology

Serving as a soldier became being in conflict with something, then having force or weight for or against it. A circumstance that militates against a proposal thus counts as an opposing influence.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin7:55

cognitive dissonance compartmentalization they militate against any model involving a unitary self or a core identity

Brain Neuroplasticity: Neuroscience of Self-states

More examples

High maintenance costs militate against buying an older car.
His lack of experience militated against his chances of promotion.
Her strong sales record militates against any suggestion of incompetence.

Forms

militate · militates · militated · militating

Similar words

oppose: Often describes active resistance rather than an unfavorable circumstance.
hinder: Emphasizes slowing progress rather than weighing against a decision.