'militaristic' originates from the word 'military,' which comes from the Latin word 'militaris,' where 'milit-' meant 'soldier.'

'militaris' transformed into the Old French word 'militaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'military,' from which 'militaristic' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to soldiers or the military,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'characteristic of a military approach.'