From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishmartial lawˌmartial ˈlaw noun [uncountable] PGa situation in which the army controls an area instead of the police, especially because of fighting against the governmentimpose/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.
Examples from the Corpus
martial law• In mid-1990, martial law was formally lifted but the security clamp down remains currently in force.• Kuwait declared martial law after the Persian Gulf War.• Subsequently, Stoneham declared martial law, brought in all available troops, and suppressed the disorder.• Troops were deployed in Kwangju at midnight on May 17, just as Chun was declaring nationwide martial law.• In early 1989, violent riots led to more arrests and killings and the eventual imposition of martial law.• The foreign minister, Stan Mudenge, has previously said that sanctions could lead to the imposition of martial law.• Many foreign commentators, however, described the lifting of martial law as a cosmetic exercise.• Anand made the announcement after student leaders had presented him with a petition calling for the lifting of martial law.• He means our martial law troops should completely finish their task of clearing the square before sunup.martial law ... lifted• In mid-1990, martial law was formally lifted but the security clamp down remains currently in force. 