pro-military
|pro-mil-i-ta-ry|
🇺🇸
/ˌproʊˈmɪlɪtɛri/
🇬🇧
/ˌprəʊˈmɪlɪtəri/
for the military / supporting the military
Etymology
'pro-military' is formed from the prefix 'pro-' and the adjective 'military'. 'Pro-' comes from Latin 'pro' meaning 'for' or 'in favor of', and 'military' comes from Latin 'militaris' relating to soldiers.
'militaris' in Latin passed into Old French as 'militaire' and then into Middle and Modern English as 'military'. The prefix 'pro-' has long been used in English to form compounds meaning 'in favor of X'; 'pro-military' is a modern compound formed by combining these elements.
Originally the components meant 'for' (pro-) and 'relating to soldiers' (military); combined, the modern usage specifically means 'in favor of the military' or 'supportive of military influence', a nuance that developed with modern political discourse.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or group that favors the military or policies that strengthen military power; or a stance characterized by support for the military.
There are many pro-militarys in the region who favor increased defense spending.
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Adjective 1
showing support for, approval of, or favoring the armed forces or military influence in government and society.
The new administration adopted a clearly pro-military policy.
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Adverb 1
in a way that supports or favors the military.
The party spoke pro-military during the debate to appeal to voters concerned about security.
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Last updated: 2025/11/05 17:49