colonize
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for colonize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To settle in and take control of a territory, typically one that already has its own inhabitants.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use colonize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From colony plus the verb suffix -ize.
Full origin of colonize →Frequently asked questions
What does “colonize” mean?
The word “colonize” means to settle in and take control of a territory, typically one that already has its own inhabitants. In plain terms, to move into a place and take it over, whether that's a nation seizing territory or bacteria spreading through tissue.
How do you pronounce “colonize”?
“Colonize” is pronounced KO-luh-nyz (/ˈkɑlənaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “colonize” in a sentence?
Here is “colonize” used in a sentence: “European powers colonized much of Africa in the 19th century.”
What part of speech is “colonize”?
“Colonize” is a verb.