Balkanize

[ bawl-kuh-nahyz ]

/ ˈbɔl kəˌnaɪz /

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.

Also especially British, Bal·kan·ise.

Origin of Balkanize

First recorded in 1915–20; Balkan + -ize

Related forms

Bal·kan·i·za·tion, nounBal·kan·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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

Balkanization or Balkanisation, nounBalkanized 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