Word
colonize
Phoneticscol·o·nize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkɑɫəˌnaɪz/
UK spelling · colonise
Definition
v. to take control of a new area and start living there, often by force. It can also mean to move to a new place to start a new community.
v. to establish a settlement in a new territory, typically by taking control of it. Often implies the establishment of a dominant political or economic power over the local population.
Examples
“The company plans to colonize the moon in the next century.”
“Historians study how different nations colonize new lands and the long-term effects on the indigenous people.”
“The rapid expansion of the empire required a massive effort to colonize the frontier, often leading to significant cultural and environmental shifts in the newly acquired territories.”
Examples
simple
“The company plans to colonize the moon in the next century.”
contextual
“Historians study how different nations colonize new lands and the long-term effects on the indigenous people.”
complex
“The rapid expansion of the empire required a massive effort to colonize the frontier, often leading to significant cultural and environmental shifts in the newly acquired territories.”
Real-World Examples
“Because wolves are not capable of naturally colonizing such an island across open sea, researchers believe humans must have brought the animals there, likely by boat.” “Unlike much of Asia, Japan was never colonized .” Etymology
From colony + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/colonize