colonization

IPA/ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃn/
KK[kˌɑlənɪzˈeʃən]IPA/ˌkɑːlənəˈzeɪʃn/

colonization — 名詞

1. the process by which a foreign power establishes political control over a territ

1.名詞B2
釋義

殖民

派遣移民至他國並進行統治

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

例句

The colonization of North America by European powers began in the sixteenth century.

歐洲列強對北美洲的殖民始於十六世紀。

colonization of [place] by [group]

Dr. Okafor's research focuses on how colonization reshaped the languages of West Africa.

Okafor 博士的研究聚焦於殖民如何改變了西非的語言面貌。

colonization as a historical subject of study

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌Colonization and immigration are the same thing.
✅Colonization involves establishing political control over a territory, while immigration is simply moving there.
💡Colonization implies governance by an outside power, not just movement of people.

2. the spread of a species into a location where it establishes a permanent presenc

2.名詞C1
釋義

移殖；遷入

動植物或微生物進入新棲息地

the spread of a species into a location where it establishes a permanent presence and reproduces

例句

Lichen were the first signs of plant colonization on the bare volcanic rock.

地衣是光禿禿的火山岩上最早出現的植物移殖跡象。

colonization of bare / new habitat by pioneer species

The rapid colonization of the pond by algae turned the water bright green.

藻類在池塘中迅速遷入，使水變成了亮綠色。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌The colonization of bacteria made the patient sick.
✅The bacteria colonized the patient without causing symptoms.
💡Microbial colonization often means the bacteria are present but not necessarily causing infection.

3. the act of moving into a place or activity and taking control of it, often in a

3.名詞C1
釋義

佔據；進駐

進入並控制某個領域或空間

the act of moving into a place or activity and taking control of it, often in a way that excludes others

例句

Critics warned about the colonization of public parks by commercial advertising boards.

批評者警告，商業廣告看板正在進駐公共公園。

colonization of [public space] by [entity] — figurative

The rapid colonization of the smartphone market by the new operating system surprised analysts.

新的作業系統快速佔據了智慧型手機市場，令分析師感到意外。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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.