Martial Law
/ˈmɑːr.ʃəl lɔː/noun
Government or military control of civilian affairs during an emergency, usually suspending or limiting ordinary law.
Did you know?“Martial” comes from the Roman god Mars, whose name also gave English the month March; “law” originally referred to something laid down or established.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Mārtiālis
“Of or belonging to Mars, the Roman god of war”
Classical Latin
Latin
iūs
“Law, right, or legal authority”
Old Norse
Old Norse
lǫg
“Laws; literally things laid down or established”
Medieval Latin
Latin
lēx mārtiālis
“Military law or law concerning military affairs”
16th Century
English
martial law
“Law administered by military authority, especially during war or emergency”
Modern English
English
martial law
“Military control replacing or restricting ordinary civilian government”