Annexed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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annexed

[ษ™หˆnษ›kst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

political context

Annexed refers to the act of adding a territory to an existing political unit such as a country or state. It often occurs without legal justification or the consent of the original governing authority, leading to disputes and conflicts.

Synonyms

acquired, added, attached, incorporated.

Examples of usage

  • The region was annexed after a controversial referendum.
  • The government annexed the territory to increase its resources.
  • They announced plans to annex the adjoining land.
  • The annexed area has seen significant population growth.
Context #2 | Verb

legal context

In a legal sense, annexing is the formal act of declaring ownership over a piece of land or property, often involving treaties or agreements. This process can lead to international legal disputes if not properly executed.

Synonyms

appropriate, claim, seize.

Examples of usage

  • The annexation was met with international condemnation.
  • They sought legal ways to annex the disputed territory.
  • Annexing land without proper documentation can lead to legal battles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Many nations in history have annexed territories to expand their land, such as the Louisiana Purchase by the United States in 1803.
  • Annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 was widely contested and labeled illegal by much of the international community.
  • The annexation of Texas in 1845 was a major event that led to the Mexican-American War.

Legal Aspects

  • Annexation can be a complicated legal process, often requiring treaties, agreements, or legislative approval.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on various cases involving annexation, confirming the importance of consent from local populations.
  • In many regions, residents can vote on annexations to decide if they want to be part of a larger city or county.

Cultural Implications

  • Annexation can lead to cultural blending, but it can also spark tensions, as the identity of the original inhabitants might be threatened.
  • In some cases, annexation has resulted in resistance and conflict, as communities fight to preserve their cultural heritage.
  • Annexed regions may see changes in leadership, laws, and education systems, which can alter the local way of life.

Political Consequences

  • Countries that annex land may face sanctions or diplomatic criticism from the global community, impacting their international relations.
  • Annexation can lead to significant changes in power dynamics, affecting everything from local governance to military presence.
  • Historically, annexation has often been a catalyst for larger geopolitical conflicts, as neighboring countries react to territorial changes.

Origin of 'annexed'

The word 'annexed' comes from the Latin word 'annexus', which means 'tied or bound to'. The term has undergone various transformations in usage and meaning over the centuries. 'Annex' first appeared in English in the late 15th century, derived from the Middle French 'annexer'. Originally, it referred to the physical joining or binding of one thing to another. However, its political connotations emerged more prominently in the 19th century when it began being associated with territorial expansion and governance. Countries began to use annexation as a means of increasing their size and influence, often resulting in conflict with neighboring states and populations, leading to a more modern understanding of the term in international relations.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,958 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.