Military vs. Militant — What's the Difference?

A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. It is typically officially authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with its members identifiable by their distinct military uniform.

The English word militant is both an adjective and a noun, and is generally used to mean vigorously active, combative and/or aggressive, especially in support of a cause, as in "militant reformers". It comes from the 15th century Latin "warrior" meaning "to serve as a soldier".

Relating to or characteristic of soldiers or armed forces

Fighting or warring.

The armed forces of a country

Having a combative character; aggressive, especially in the service of a cause

Of, relating to, or characteristic of members of the armed forces

A fighting, warring, or aggressive person or party.

Performed or supported by the armed forces

Fighting or disposed to fight; belligerent, warlike.

Of or relating to war

Aggressively supporting of a political or social cause; adamant, combative.

Of or relating to land forces.

(obsolete) A soldier, a combatant.

Armed forces

An entrenched or aggressive adherent to a particular cause, now especially a member of a particular ideological faction.

Members, especially officers, of an armed force.

Specifically, someone who supports the Trotskyist political view expressed in the newspaper Militant, or who engages in aggressive left-wing politics.

Characteristic of members of the armed forces.

Engaged in warfare; fighting; combating; serving as a soldier.

(North America) Relating to armed forces such as the army, marines, navy and air force (often as distinguished from civilians or police forces).

A militant reformer

Relating to war.

Engaged in war;

Relating to armies or ground forces.

Showing a fighting disposition without self-seeking;

Armed forces.

Of or pertaining to soldiers, to arms, or to war; belonging to, engaged in, or appropriate to, the affairs of war; as, a military parade; military discipline; military bravery; military conduct; military renown.

Performed or made by soldiers; as, a military election; a military expedition.

The whole body of soldiers; soldiery; militia; troops; the army.

The military forces of a nation;

Of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare;

Characteristic of or associated with soldiers or the military;

Associated with or performed by armed services as contrasted with civilians;