Colonization
/ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definitions
The action of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of a distant territory.
/ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The act of establishing control over a territory
The colonization of Africa led to many lasting problems.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people moving to a new land and taking control. That's colonization. Like when European countries took over parts of the Americas.
👶 For kids: When people from one place move to another place and rule it.
More Examples
European colonization dramatically altered the landscape and culture of the Americas.
How It's Used
"The colonization of America had a devastating impact on Indigenous populations."
"The study of colonization reveals complex power dynamics and lasting consequences."
From "colonize", ultimately from Latin "colonia" (a settlement), referring to the establishment of settlements in a new territory by a group of people from another region, often involving political and economic control.
The term has evolved from its original neutral description of settlement to carry a heavily negative connotation due to its association with exploitation and oppression.
Memory tip
Think 'colony' - a group of people settling far from home, often implying dominance.
Word Origin
"to settle"