colonialize Definition
- 1to establish political or economic control over a foreign land, its people, and resources
- 2to settle in a colony
Using colonialize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "colonialize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The British colonialized India for over 200 years.
Example
Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century.
Example
European powers colonialized many African countries in the late 19th century.
colonialize Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for colonialize
Phrases with colonialize
self-colonialize
to adopt the cultural norms and values of a colonizing power to the extent that one's own culture is erased or suppressed
Example
Some argue that the country has self-colonialized by adopting Western cultural norms and values.
re-colonialize
to regain control over a territory that was previously colonized
Example
Some fear that the country may re-colonialize if it becomes too dependent on foreign aid.
neo-colonialize
to exert economic and political control over a former colony through indirect means such as debt, trade, and aid
Example
Critics argue that some developed countries continue to neo-colonialize developing countries through unfair trade practices and debt policies.
Summary: colonialize in Brief
The verb 'colonialize' [kuh-loh-nee-uh-lahyz] refers to establishing political or economic control over a foreign land, its people, and resources. It can also mean to settle in a colony. Examples include 'The British colonialized India for over 200 years.' 'Colonialize' extends into phrases like 'self-colonialize,' describing the adoption of a colonizing power's cultural norms and values to the extent that one's own culture is erased or suppressed.
