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Colonize: meaning, definitions and examples

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colonize

 

[ ˈkɒləˌnaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

history

To establish control over (a place or people) by sending settlers and establishing political and economic dominance.

Synonyms

occupy, populate, settle

Examples of usage

  • The British attempted to colonize many parts of the world during the age of imperialism.
  • European powers sought to colonize Africa in the 19th century for its resources.
  • The Spanish colonized parts of the Americas in the 16th century.
  • The process of colonizing often involved displacing indigenous populations.
  • Colonizing efforts often led to conflict and resistance from native inhabitants.

Translations

Translations of the word "colonize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colonizar

🇮🇳 उपनिवेश बनाना

🇩🇪 kolonisieren

🇮🇩 menjajah

🇺🇦 колонізувати

🇵🇱 kolonizować

🇯🇵 植民地化する (shokuminchika suru)

🇫🇷 coloniser

🇪🇸 colonizar

🇹🇷 sömürgeleştirmek

🇰🇷 식민지화하다 (sikminjihwahada)

🇸🇦 استعمر (ista'mara)

🇨🇿 kolonizovat

🇸🇰 kolonizovať

🇨🇳 殖民 (zhímín)

🇸🇮 kolonizirati

🇮🇸 nýlendu

🇰🇿 отарлау

🇬🇪 კოლონიზაცია (kolonizatsia)

🇦🇿 müstəmləkələşdirmək

🇲🇽 colonizar

Word origin

The word 'colonize' has its origins in the Latin word 'colonus', which originally referred to a farmer or agricultural worker. Over time, the term took on the meaning of establishing settlements in new territories, particularly during the age of European exploration and colonization. The practice of colonizing lands and peoples has had far-reaching historical consequences, shaping the course of global politics, economics, and culture. The impact of colonization continues to be a topic of debate and reflection in contemporary society.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,208, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.