English Lexicon

Colonization

/ˌkɒl.ə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The act of establishing control over a foreign territory and its people.

    "The colonization of the Americas had profound effects on indigenous populations."
  2. 2

    The process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area.

    "Colonization often led to significant cultural and social changes in the colonized regions."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'colonization' originates from the Latin word 'colonia', meaning 'farm' or 'settlement', which evolved through Middle French 'colonisation' in the 16th century. It reflects the historical processes of establishing control over foreign lands and peoples, particularly during the age of exploration and imperial expansion.

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