Balkanize

[ bawl-kuh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Bal·kan·ized, Bal·kan·iz·ing.

1. to divide (a country, territory, etc.) into small, quarrelsome, ineffectual states.
2. (often lowercase) to divide (groups, areas, etc.) into contending and usually ineffectual factions:

   a movement to balkanize minority voters.

Balkanize

/ ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to divide (a territory) into small warring states
2. to divide (a group or organization) into small factions

Derived Forms

• ˌBalkaniˈzation, noun
• ˈBalkaˌnized, adjective

Other Words From

• Balkan·i·zation noun
• Balkan·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Balkanize¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Balkan + -ize