ENGLISH
REFERENCE

colonialism

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //kəˈɫoʊniəˌɫɪzəm// UK //kəlˈəʊnɪəlˌɪzəm// colo·nial·ism Vulgar

n. the practice of one country taking control of other lands and people, often to use their resources. It usually involves moving people from the powerful country to live in the new territory.

n. the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.


SIMPLE

Many nations in Africa and Asia gained independence from European colonialism.

CONTEXTUAL

The history of the region is deeply marked by the legacy of colonialism and the struggle for self-determination.

COMPLEX

Scholars often examine how the structures of colonialism persisted long after formal independence, influencing modern economic and social hierarchies across the globe.

Origin

From colonial + -ism.

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; can be used with 'of' to specify the colonizing power.

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