colonization
colonization — noun
1. the process by which a foreign power establishes political control over a territ
the process by which a foreign power establishes political control over a territory and its existing population, typically by bringing in settlers and imposing its own systems of government and culture
The colonization of North America by European powers began in the sixteenth century.
colonization of [place] by [group]
Dr. Okafor's research focuses on how colonization reshaped the languages of West Africa.
colonization as a historical subject of study
The indigenous community still faces challenges rooted in centuries of colonization.
The Watanabe family's archives contain documents about the colonization of Hokkaido in the late 1800s.
Folake's textbook contrasts the colonization of Brazil and India by different European powers.
- colonialism
refers to the policy or ideology behind colonization rather than the act itself
- settlement
softer term that downplays force; may describe peaceful migration
- occupation
focuses on military control rather than permanent settlement
- decolonization
the process of a colonized territory gaining independence
文法句型
colonization of + place
under colonization
era of colonization
用法筆記
In historical and political contexts, this sense carries a strong association with force, displacement of indigenous peoples, and long-term social consequences. Frequently modified by adjectives naming the colonizing power (e.g., British colonization, Spanish colonization).
常見錯誤
2. the spread of a species into a location where it establishes a permanent presenc
the spread of a species into a location where it establishes a permanent presence and reproduces
Lichen were the first signs of plant colonization on the bare volcanic rock.
colonization of bare / new habitat by pioneer species
The rapid colonization of the pond by algae turned the water bright green.
Bird droppings often help the colonization of cliff faces by hardy plant seeds.
Eri studies how the colonization of old farmland by wildflowers changes local insect populations.
The colonization of surgical wounds by bacteria can slow down the healing process.
- establishment
focuses on the successful long-term presence rather than the arrival phase
- migration
emphasises the movement to a new area rather than permanent settlement
- naturalisation
used when a species becomes self-sustaining in a non-native environment
- extinction
the complete disappearance of a species from an area
文法句型
colonization of + habitat
colonization by + species
用法筆記
In ecology, colonization describes the natural spread of organisms into a new environment. It does not carry the political or moral weight of sense 1. In medicine, colonization can refer to bacteria living harmlessly on a host without causing disease.
常見錯誤
3. the act of moving into a place or activity and taking control of it, often in a
the act of moving into a place or activity and taking control of it, often in a way that excludes others
Critics warned about the colonization of public parks by commercial advertising boards.
colonization of [public space] by [entity] — figurative
The rapid colonization of the smartphone market by the new operating system surprised analysts.
Rodrigo sees the spread of chain stores as a colonization of the old town centre.
The colonization of children's free time by organised sports leaves little room for free play.
Zuri argues that big media companies are driving a colonization of independent film festivals.
- domination
focuses on the exercise of control rather than the process of taking over
- appropriation
emphasises taking something for oneself, often without right
- infiltration
suggests gradual, often unnoticed entry rather than open takeover
- withdrawal
the act of pulling back or leaving an area
文法句型
colonization of + domain
用法筆記
This sense is metaphorical, extending the idea of territorial conquest to non-political domains such as markets, cultural spaces, or digital environments. It usually carries a critical tone, implying unwanted or exploitative dominance.