IPA: /ˌmɪlɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
KK: /mɪlɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
The process of making something military in nature or control, often involving the establishment of military forces or practices in a certain area.
The militarization of the region has led to increased tensions among neighboring countries.
Militarization is formed from "militari" (from Latin, meaning to serve as a soldier) and the suffix "-zation" (indicating the process of making or becoming). The word refers to the process of making something military in character or function.
Think of the process of making something into a military form or character, as 'militari' relates to soldiers and '-zation' indicates a process.