Word: militate (verb)

Associations

The word "militate" means to have a strong effect or influence against something. It is often used when talking about factors or conditions that work against a particular outcome or idea.

• The fact that it was raining heavily militated against our plans for a picnic. (Rain made the picnic difficult or impossible.)
• Economic problems may militate against the success of the new business. (Economic problems make success harder.)
• His lack of experience militates against his chances of getting the job. (Lack of experience works against him.)

Synonym: "hinder" or "work against"

• Difference: "Militate" is often used in more formal contexts and usually refers to strong, sometimes external forces or conditions that influence a situation. "Hinder" is more general and can be used in everyday speech.

Substitution

In place of "militate," you can use:

• work against
• hinder
• oppose
• act against

For example, "This problem works against our plans" means similar to "This problem militates against our plans," but "militate" sounds more formal.

Deconstruction

"Militate" comes from Latin "militare," meaning "to serve as a soldier" or "to fight." Over time, it developed the meaning of "to fight against" or "to have an effect against something."

It does not have a prefix or suffix here; the whole word is the root.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where something outside your control militated against your success?
• How is "militate" different from simply "prevent" or "stop"?
• Can "militate" be used in a positive way, or is it always about something negative? Why?