associated state

American  

Or associate state

noun

1. a nation with limited sovereignty, especially a former colony that now assumes responsibility for domestic affairs but continues to depend on the colonial ruler for defense and foreign policy.

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Etymology

Origin of associated state

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Bolivia is currently an "associated state," the same status held by Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname.

From Reuters • Jul. 4, 2023

The Cook Islands is a self-governing associated state, part of the Realm of New Zealand.

From Fox News • Oct. 15, 2020

An independent sovereign island nation, FS Micronesia is a United States associated state consisting of four states—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae—spread across the Western Pacific Ocean.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2016

Jonathan Thompson, associated state medical examiner, testified about his experience performing the autopsy.

From Washington Times • Apr. 1, 2015

Background: First settled by the British in 1623, the islands became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967.

From The 2002 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency