Langimage
English

decolonization

|de/col/o/ni/za/tion|

B2

🇺🇸

/diˌkɑːlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

🇬🇧

/diˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

gaining independence

Etymology
Etymology Information

'decolonization' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' and 'colonization' from Latin 'colonia' meaning 'settlement'.

Historical Evolution

'decolonization' evolved from the term 'decolonize' which was first used in the early 20th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to reverse colonization', and it has retained this meaning in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the process of a colony gaining independence from a colonial power.

The decolonization of Africa occurred mainly in the mid-20th century.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45