decolonize
decolonize Lexical Profile
decolonize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To release a territory or country from the status of a colony, allowing it to become politically independent and self-governing, or to withdraw colonial rule from a region.
"Following the end of the Second World War, European powers began to decolonize large parts of Africa and Asia."
To free an institution, curriculum, or cultural sphere from the dominant influence and assumptions of colonial powers, particularly by incorporating indigenous and marginalized perspectives.
"The university faculty voted to decolonize the history syllabus by adding primary sources from indigenous scholars."
• Rhymes for decolonize
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-20th century from the prefix 'de-' (indicating reversal) and 'colonize', which traces back to the Latin 'colonia' (settled land, farm), derived from 'colonus' (farmer, settler) and 'colere' (to cultivate, inhabit).