militate

verb

Etymology: First attested in 1598; borrowed from Latin mīlitātus, perfect passive participle from mīlitō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Semantically from its cognate, French militer.

1. To give force or effect toward; to influence.

   “to militate in favor of a particular result”

   “to militate against the possibility of his election”

2. To serve as a soldier or participate in warfare.

   “This..moues many Italian Caualiers to militate in the warres of Holland.”