'demilitarization' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'removal' and 'militarization' from 'military,' which is derived from Latin 'militaris,' meaning 'of soldiers.'

'militaris' transformed into the French word 'militaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'military,' leading to 'militarization' and subsequently 'demilitarization.'

Initially, it meant 'removal of military presence,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.