Balkanize
[ bawl-kuh-nahyz ]
verb (used with object),Bal·kan·ized, Bal·kan·iz·ing.
to divide (a country, territory, etc.) into small, quarrelsome, ineffectual states.
(often lowercase) to divide (groups, areas, etc.) into contending and usually ineffectual factions: a movement to balkanize minority voters.
Origin of Balkanize
1- Also especially British, Bal·kan·ise .
Other words from Balkanize
- Bal·kan·i·za·tion, noun
- Bal·kan·ism, noun
Words Nearby Balkanize
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for Balkanize
Balkanize
Balkanise
/ (ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz) /
verb
(tr) to divide (a territory) into small warring states
to divide (a group or organization) into small factions
Derived forms of Balkanize
- Balkanization or Balkanisation, noun
- Balkanized or Balkanised, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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