decolonize
|de-col-o-nize|
C1
🇺🇸
/diːˈkɑːləˌnaɪz/
🇬🇧
/diːˈkɒlənaɪz/
removal of colonial rule
Etymology
Etymology Information
'decolonize' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' or 'remove' and the word 'colonize,' which comes from Latin 'colonia,' meaning 'settlement.'
Historical Evolution
'decolonize' evolved from the concept of reversing colonization, which was a significant movement in the 20th century as many countries sought independence from colonial powers.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to remove colonial control,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to free a country or region from colonial status, allowing it to become independent.
The country was decolonized in the mid-20th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/16 17:21