Dictionary
militate
verb mil·i·tate \ˈmi-lə-ˌtāt\
mil·i·tat·edmil·i·tat·ing
Definition of MILITATE
intransitive verb
: to have weight or effect <his boyish appearance militated against his getting an early promotion>
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Usage Discussion of MILITATE
Mitigate is sometimes used as an intransitive (followed by against) where militate might be expected. Even though Faulkner used it <some intangible and invisible social force that mitigates against him — William Faulkner> and one critic thinks it should be called an American idiom, it is usually considered a mistake.
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Origin of MILITATE
Latin militatus, past participle of militare to engage in warfare, from milit-, miles
First Known Use: circa 1600
Rhymes with MILITATE
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