balkanization
|bal-kan-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌbælkənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌbæl.kənaɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
divide into small, often hostile parts
Etymology
'balkanization' originates from English, formed from the verb 'balkanize' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ation'. 'Balkanize' itself comes from the geographical name 'Balkan', which ultimately derives from Turkish, specifically the word 'balkan' where 'balkan' meant 'mountain'.
'balkanization' developed from the early 20th-century verb 'balkanize' (to divide into smaller hostile states), which was formed from the proper noun 'Balkan' (the Balkan Peninsula). The name 'Balkan' came into English via Turkish 'balkan' and was combined with English suffixes '-ize' and '-ation' to form the modern noun.
Initially, it referred specifically to the division of the Balkan Peninsula into smaller states; over time it evolved to mean any fragmentation or breaking up into smaller, often antagonistic, parts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of dividing a region, organization, or system into smaller, often hostile or non-cooperative units; fragmentation into mutually antagonistic parts.
The balkanization of the industry resulted in many small firms competing fiercely and duplicating services.
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Verb 1
related verb form of 'balkanization' (balkanize): to divide a region, organization, or system into smaller, often hostile units; to cause fragmentation.
Some politicians feared that the new policy would balkanize the country along ethnic lines.
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Last updated: 2026/01/05 16:08