ˌmartial ˈlaw noun [uncountable] a situation in which the army controls an area instead of the police, especially because of fighting against the government
impose/declare martial law
The government may declare martial law in response to the latest violence in the region. In May, martial law was lifted (=ended) in most areas.under martial law According to press reports, the country is now under martial law. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲