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Definition of colonize

colonize

/ˈkɑːlənaɪz/
(UK: colonise)
col · o · nize
Adjective:colonial
•
Past Simple:colonized
•
Past Participle:colonized
•
Present Participle:colonizing
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colonize Lexical Profile

colonize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To send settlers to a place and establish political control over it.

Example

"Several European powers sought to colonize territories across the Americas during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries."

2

To establish itself in a new habitat or host environment (of a plant, animal, or microorganism).

Example

"Lichens and mosses are often the first organisms to colonize bare volcanic rock after an eruption."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for colonize

• Nearby Words

colonic
colonist
colonization
colonize
colonizer
colonnade
colonnade falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from the noun 'colony' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize', ultimately deriving from the Latin 'colonia' (settled land, farm), from 'colonus' (farmer, settler) and 'colere' (to cultivate or inhabit).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Colonize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/colonize
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