Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

balkanized

adjective

/ˈbɔːl.kən.aɪzd/

Definition

The act of dividing a region or group into smaller, mutually hostile units.

Examples

The once unified country became Balkanized after the civil war, resulting in multiple rival states.
Efforts to rebuild the community were hindered by its Balkanized nature, with each faction unwilling to cooperate.
The internet can be seen as Balkanized, with numerous sites and communities existing in isolation from one another.

Meaning

Balkanized refers to the fragmentation of a large area into smaller regions or factions, often leading to conflict and lack of cooperation among the divided groups.