de-europeanization
|de-eu-ro-pe-an-i-za-tion|
/diːˌjʊərəpiənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
undoing European influence
Etymology
'de-europeanization' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'de-' + 'Europeanization', where 'de-' meant 'away from' or 'reversal' and '-ization' is a noun-forming suffix indicating a process.
'de-' originates from Latin 'de-' meaning 'away from' or 'reverse'. 'European' ultimately comes from Greek 'Eurṓpē' (Εὐρώπη) via Latin 'Europa' and Old French 'Europe', and the verb/noun formation used the English suffixes '-ize' and '-ation' to form 'Europeanize' and then 'Europeanization'; adding the productive prefix 'de-' produced 'de-europeanization' in modern English usage.
Initially, 'European' referred to the continent or the mythological figure 'Europa'; over time it came to mean 'relating to Europe or European culture'. With the prefix 'de-' the compound took on the current meaning of 'undoing or reversing European influence'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process, policy, or movement of removing, reversing, or reducing European influence, norms, institutions, styles, or structures in a country, organization, or cultural sphere.
The de-europeanization of the curriculum involved replacing European-centered texts with local and regional perspectives.
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Verb 1
to remove or reverse European influence or elements (used as the base form meaning of 'de-europeanize').
The new law aims to de-europeanize trade regulations and restore national standards.
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Adjective 1
describing something that has had European features or influences removed: 'de-europeanized'.
The de-europeanized architecture reflected a renewed emphasis on indigenous styles.
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Last updated: 2026/01/11 17:53