annex

[uh-neks, an-eks, an-eks, -iks]

verb (used with object)

1. to attach, append, or add, especially to something larger or more important.

2. to incorporate (territory) into the domain of a city, country, or state.

   Germany annexed part of Czechoslovakia.

3. to take or appropriate, especially without permission.

4. to attach as an attribute, condition, or consequence.

noun

1. something annexed.

2. a subsidiary building or an addition to a building.

   The emergency room is in the annex of the main building.

3. something added to a document; appendix; supplement.

   an annex to a treaty.

annex

verb

1. to join or add, esp to something larger; attach

2. to add (territory) by conquest or occupation

3. to add or append as a condition, warranty, etc

4. to appropriate without permission

noun

1. a variant spelling (esp US) of annexe

Other Word Forms

• annexable adjective
• nonannexable adjective
• preannex verb (used with object)
• reannex verb (used with object)
• unannexable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of annex¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (verb) Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French annexer, from Medieval Latin annexāre, derivative of Latin annexus “tied to,” past participle of annectere ( annectent ); (noun) from French annexe or noun use of verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of annex¹

C14: from Medieval Latin annexāre, from Latin annectere to attach to, from nectere to join

Example Sentences

And the United Arab Emirates, a founding and enthusiastic member of the accords, has said they are under threat if Netanyahu goes ahead with plans to annex the occupied West Bank.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s more concerned that the proposal may mark the start of a broader takeover of the same area the Marines sought to annex years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The United Arab Emirates has warned Israel that annexing the occupied West Bank would cross a "red line" and undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords that normalised relations between the two countries.

From BBC

The Russian defence ministry said it had shot down 20 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 18 over Crimea, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

From BBC

On a visit to Greenland a few months ago, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned the US that "you cannot annex another country".

From BBC

Related Words

• addendum 
• appendix