Colonize: meaning, definitions and examples

history

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

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.