Decolonize: meaning, definitions and examples
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decolonize
[ diːˈkɒlənaɪz ]
political term
To decolonize means to remove colonial influences and control from a country or territory, liberating it from external powers. This process often involves reclaiming indigenous cultures, histories, and governance structures that have been suppressed. Decolonization can be both a political and social movement aimed at restoring autonomy and identity to colonized peoples. It is a complex and ongoing journey that seeks justice and equality for those historically marginalized.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The country worked hard to decolonize its educational system.
- Activists demanded to decolonize the curriculum in schools.
- The indigenous community is leading efforts to decolonize their land.
Translations
Translations of the word "decolonize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 descolonizar
🇮🇳 उपनिवेशीकरण समाप्त करना
🇩🇪 dekolonisieren
🇮🇩 dekolonisasi
🇺🇦 деколонізувати
🇵🇱 dekolonizować
🇯🇵 脱植民地化する
🇫🇷 décoloniser
🇪🇸 descolonizar
🇹🇷 sömürgecilikten kurtarmak
🇰🇷 탈식민지화하다
🇸🇦 إزالة الاستعمار
🇨🇿 dekolonizovat
🇸🇰 dekolonizovať
🇨🇳 去殖民化
🇸🇮 dekolonizirati
🇮🇸 afkolonísera
🇰🇿 отаршылдықтан арылту
🇬🇪 დეკოლონიზაცია
🇦🇿 dekolonizasiya
🇲🇽 descolonizar
Etymology
The term 'decolonize' emerges from the combination of the prefix 'de-', meaning removal or reversal, and 'colonize', which is derived from the Latin 'colonus' meaning 'farmer' or 'settler'. The usage of 'decolonize' gained prominence in the mid-20th century during the wave of independence movements in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, as former colonies sought to dismantle the structures imposed by European powers. Throughout history, colonization has often led to the suppression of local cultures, languages, and governance. Therefore, 'decolonization' is not just a political action, but a cultural and social movement that aims to address and rectify historical injustices, reclaim identities, and recognize the rights of indigenous peoples. As the world becomes more interconnected, the conversation around decolonization continues to evolve, focusing on various aspects such as academia, history, and social justice.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,818, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.