# annexation

/ˌænɛkˈseɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌænɪksˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/annexation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. taking control of land

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

the act of taking over a piece of land and officially making it part of your own country or city.

For teachers: the formal act of incorporating a territory into the domain of a city, country, or state. Often implies a unilateral action rather than a mutual agreement.

- The annexation of the small island caused a major argument between the two neighboring countries.
- The international community refused to recognize the illegal annexation of the border province, maintaining that the treaty had been signed under duress.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the territory being taken.

Teaching tip: In modern political contexts, this word often carries a negative or controversial tone, suggesting the land was taken without the consent of the people living there.

## Examples

- The annexation of the island changed the map.
- The government announced the annexation of the neighboring region after a short military campaign.
- Historians debate whether the annexation was a legitimate exercise of national sovereignty or an aggressive expansion of imperial borders.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.