colonialism

[ kuh-loh-nee-uh-liz-uhm ]

/ kəˈloʊ ni əˌlɪz əm /

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See synonyms for colonialism on Thesaurus.com

noun

the control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people.

the system or policy by which a nation maintains or advocates control or influence over a dependent country, territory, or people.

the state or condition of being colonial.

an idea, custom, or practice peculiar to a colony.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of colonialism

First recorded in 1850–55; colonial + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM colonialism

co·lo·ni·al·ist, noun, adjectiveco·lo·ni·al·is·tic [kuh-loh-nee-uh-lis-tik], /kəˌloʊ ni əˈlɪs tɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use colonialism in a sentence

Efforts to topple monuments to slavery, racism and colonialism in this country, such as the removal of Columbus statues and Confederate flags, have been paralleled by calls in Britain for the toppling of statues of slave traders.
For generations, African Americans have led global antiracist movements|Brenda Plummer|February 18, 2021|Washington Post
As Bittman suggests, the quest for food for growing populations drove exploration, colonialism, slavery, and capitalism.
8 new books coming out in February 2021|Rachel King|February 1, 2021|Fortune
It’s a relief to see British public television spotlight authors of color and confront racism, colonialism and slavery in the nation’s history.
The Long Song Is a Brilliant Tale of Slavery’s End in Jamaica, Frustratingly Told|Judy Berman|January 29, 2021|Time
The group has long faced health disparities due to factors such as racism and colonialism that have led to high levels of poverty and unemployment.
Hawaii managed COVID-19 better than any other state, but its residents are still at risk|Tara Santora|January 14, 2021|Popular-Science

Ironically, both the opponents and proponents of LGBT equality are repeating the colonialist narrative.
Why Africa’s Turning Anti-Gay|Jay Michaelson|March 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Its foundational ideology, stripped of colonialist doubletalk, was simply one of white supremacy.
Nelson Mandela Was Undeniably Great But He Doesn’t Need a Halo|Michael Moynihan|December 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They tell them that free enterprise is under attack; that Obama is a socialist, a Marxist, a fascist, an anti-colonialist.
The Sinister Message Behind Romney's "Gaffe"|David Frum|September 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It's just the logical supposition to make about the anti-colonialist blah blah blah.
Gingrich Backs Off on Welfare|Michael Tomasky|August 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
If Einat Wilf does not think Zionism was a colonialist project, maybe she should take that up with Theodor Herzl.
Wilf’s Colonialism Denial|Yousef Munayyer|April 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for colonialism

colonialism

/ (kəˈləʊnɪəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the policy and practice of a power in extending control over weaker peoples or areasAlso called: imperialism

Derived forms of colonialism

colonialist, noun, 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

Cultural definitions for colonialism

colonialism

The control of one nation by “transplanted” people of another nation — often a geographically distant nation that has a different culture and dominant racial or ethnic group. (See ethnicity.)

notes for colonialism

A classic example of colonialism is the control of India by Britain from the eighteenth century to 1947.

notes for colonialism

Control that is economic and cultural, rather than political, is often called neocolonialism.

colonialism

Origin of colonialism

OTHER WORDS FROM colonialism

Words related to colonialism

How to use colonialism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for colonialism

Derived forms of colonialism

Cultural definitions for colonialism

notes for colonialism

notes for colonialism