verb
colonize
KO-luh-nyz
Colonize (verb) means to settle in and take control of a territory, typically one that already has its own inhabitants. Example: “European powers colonized much of Africa in the 19th century.”
verb
1
To settle in and take control of a territory, typically one that already has its own inhabitants.
"European powers colonized much of Africa in the 19th century."
"Bacteria can colonize a wound if it isn't kept clean."
How to use colonize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move into a place and take it over, whether that's a nation seizing territory or bacteria spreading through tissue.
Common pairings
colonize a territory
colonize the land
bacteria colonize
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- colonizes
- Past tense
- colonized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
European powers _____ much of Africa in the 19th century.
Etymology
From colony plus the verb suffix -ize.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
decolonize
Related words
Rhymes for colonize
See all rhymes for 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.
