1. to establish or extend colonial control over a territory or people
Usage: formal; often used in historical or political contexts

Examples

• European powers sought to colonialize vast regions of Africa and Asia during the 19th century.
• The nation's policy was to colonialize neighboring territories and extract their resources.
• Historians debate the long-term effects of efforts to colonialize indigenous lands.
• The empire attempted to colonialize the island and impose its own governance system.
• Resistance movements fought against attempts to colonialize their homeland.