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Decolonized: meaning, definitions and examples

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decolonized

 

[ ˌdiːˈkɒlənaɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

historical context

Decolonized refers to the process of a colony gaining independence from colonial powers. This term is often used in discussions about the historical transition from colonial rule to self-governance. It signifies the end of foreign domination and the establishment of national sovereignty. The term can also encompass cultural and social liberation, as societies work to reclaim their identity and traditions. The decolonization process can involve various forms of resistance, negotiation, and sometimes conflict.

Synonyms

freed, liberated, self-governed

Examples of usage

  • Many countries decolonized in the mid-20th century.
  • The movement aimed to decolonize the educational curriculum.
  • Activists worked to ensure that the land was decolonized and returned to its original inhabitants.

Translations

Translations of the word "decolonized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descolonizado

🇮🇳 उपनिवेश मुक्त

🇩🇪 dekolonisiert

🇮🇩 dekolonisasi

🇺🇦 деколонізований

🇵🇱 dekolonizowany

🇯🇵 非植民地化された

🇫🇷 décolonisé

🇪🇸 descolonizado

🇹🇷 sömürgecilikten kurtarılmış

🇰🇷 탈식민지화된

🇸🇦 غير مستعمر

🇨🇿 dekolonizovaný

🇸🇰 dekolonizovaný

🇨🇳 去殖民化的

🇸🇮 dekoloniziran

🇮🇸 afkoloníseraður

🇰🇿 деколонизацияланған

🇬🇪 დეკოლონიზებული

🇦🇿 dekolonizasiya olunmuş

🇲🇽 descolonizado

Word origin

The term 'decolonized' stems from the root word 'colonial,' which originates from the Latin 'colonia,' meaning 'settlement' or 'farm.' The act of colonization was prevalent from the 15th century onwards, when European powers expanded their territories across the globe. The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century during a significant wave of independence movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These movements surged after World War II, as nations sought to rid themselves of colonial rule and assert their identity. The process of decolonization has multiple layers, often involving political, economic, cultural, and social dimensions, as former colonies navigate their post-colonial identities. The concept extends beyond mere political independence; it suggests a critical re-evaluation of colonial narratives and an emphasis on indigenous perspectives.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,934, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.