rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycolonizeSettlement and territorial control
verb

colonize

KAH-luh-nyze/ˈkɑːlənaɪz/

To establish a settled population in a new territory.

The newcomers colonize the distant territory, building a settlement around a fortified post.

Miniature overseas settlement with matching flags and a fortified post.
Etymology
colonLatinfarmer, settler
+izeEnglishmake or establish

The farmer or settler root connects colonizing with establishing settlements in new territory. The later meaning of making a place politically dependent probably developed directly from colony, whether or not settlement occurred.

In context

CAB Grand Rising Show27:21
the arrival of europeans in the 17th century you have the french who are going to colonize the saint lawrence valley their colony of new france
American Indian Slave Trade in the Colonial South

More examples

  • European powers colonized much of North America.
  • The settlers hoped to colonize the island before winter.
  • Bacteria can colonize a wound if it is not cleaned.

Forms

colonize · colonizes · colonized · colonizing

colony noun — A settlement established in a new territory.

colonization noun — The establishment of a population in new territory.

Similar words

settle
Emphasizes making a home, without necessarily establishing outside control.
populate
Means filling a place with inhabitants, not necessarily newcomers.