WordGarden.iocolonize
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɒlənˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈkɑləˌnaɪz/
Meanings
Verb
to settle in and take political control of another land or people
to establish a population in a new habitat or on a host
to establish a human settlement on another planet or remote new place
More meaningsFewer meanings
to spread through and dominate an area, activity, or way of thinking
Beyond the definition
To colonize means to take over and settle in a new land, often with the intention of exploiting its resources and establishing political control. Think of European powers colonizing parts of Africa and Asia; they didn't just visit—they moved in and reshaped those lands to benefit themselves. It can also be used more figuratively, such as when invasive species colonize a new ecosystem.
Colonization isn't always about physical land; it can refer to dominating an area with ideas or culture. For example, some argue that American pop culture has colonized the world. The word carries a heavy historical weight, often associated with oppression and injustice.
Imagine setting sail across vast oceans, not just to explore, but to claim land for your home country. That's at the heart of "colonize." It means establishing control over indigenous people and their territory—settling in a new place, building communities, and imposing your own political, economic, and cultural systems. Historically, colonization was driven by a desire for resources (such as gold, timber, and spices), power, and the spreading of religious or ideological beliefs.
The story of colonization is complex and often brutal. It frequently involved displacing native populations, exploiting their labor, and suppressing their cultures. Think of the British colonizing North America, the Spanish colonizing South America, or the French colonizing parts of Africa; these weren't simply peaceful settlements—they were power grabs with lasting consequences.
However, "colonize" isn't limited to historical events. It can also be used metaphorically. A plant species might colonize a disturbed area after a fire, meaning it quickly establishes itself and spreads. Or, as mentioned before, an idea or cultural trend could colonize the minds of people in another region.
More recently, the term has been used to discuss "digital colonization," where large tech companies exert control over data and online spaces. So, whether referring to historical empires, invasive species, or digital dominance, "to colonize" implies taking possession, establishing control, and often reshaping something in your own image, with potentially significant consequences for those already there.
Examples
- 1
Colonial history
European powers colonized large parts of Africa in the 19th century.
- 2
Settlement
The island was later colonized by settlers from the mainland.
- 3
Plant growth
After the fire, grasses and small shrubs quickly colonized the empty ground.
- 4
Gut bacteria
Some bacteria can colonize the gut without making you sick.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Space settlement
Some scientists believe humans could one day colonize Mars.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- decolonize
- liberate
Used with (collocations)
- colonize a territory
- colonize a region
- colonize land
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- colonizeverb
Forms
- colonizedpast tenseverb
- colonizing-ing formverb
- colonizesverb