militate [ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt] v.t., usually followed by "against" or "with"
1.) To have force or influence; bring about an effect or a change (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language).
Etymology: Latin militare, militat-, to serve as a soldier, from miles, milit- soldier.
"Oh, Mr. Lydgate, you know well what your advantages are. You know that our young men here cannot cope with you. Where you frequent a house it may militate very much against a girl's making a desirable settlement in life, and prevent her from accepting offers even if they are made" (Middlemarch, George Eliot, 1874).
6 comments:
I've never thought about it that way. I suppose your post militated my mind.
I want to militate against the idea of sitting around the house, as I have far too much to accomplish today.
wow.. that's suprised me... nice post!
English is not my mother tongue, so I think this one's interesting for sure!
I knew that :)
Well shit, I can't think of a creative way to use it.,. its too early and I'm just now having my coffee.. lol. Good post
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