de-europeanize
|de-eu-ro-pe-an-ize|
/diːˌjʊərəˈpiːənaɪz/
remove European characteristics
Etymology
'de-europeanize' is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'de-' (from Latin 'de-' meaning 'away' or 'removal'), the adjective 'European' (from Latin 'Europa'), and the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek/Latin via English), literally meaning 'to remove Europeanness.'
'European' itself comes from Latin 'Europa', which in turn comes from Greek 'Eurōpā'. The prefix 'de-' is from Latin indicating reversal or removal, and the suffix '-ize' was adopted into English to form verbs (via French/Greek formation patterns). Together in recent English usage these elements were combined to form 'de-europeanize' to express removal of European influence.
Initially the components referred separately to 'removal' (de-), 'Europe' (European), and 'make or become' (-ize); combined in modern usage the coined verb has come to mean specifically 'to remove or reverse European characteristics or influence' rather than any broader grammatical sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of removing European characteristics or influence; the state of having been de-europeanized.
Scholars debated whether the de-europeanization of the legal system improved access to justice for local populations.
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Verb 1
to remove, reduce, or reverse European characteristics, influence, styles, institutions, or control from something (culture, policy, institution, etc.).
The new policy aimed to de-europeanize the curriculum by prioritizing local histories and practices.
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Adjective 1
describing something that has had European characteristics or influence removed.
The de-europeanized architecture reflected traditional local building methods.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 03:35