colonialism
nounUK /kəˈləʊ.ni.ə.lɪ.zəm/
US /kəˈloʊ.ni.ə.lɪ.zəm/
When one country takes control of another place and sends people to live there.
The history of colonialism changed the lives of people in many parts of the world.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The practice of controlling weaker countries for their resources and trade.
The museum exhibit explained how colonialism shaped global trade routes.
3. A system in which settlers keep political power over native people.
Scholars study how colonialism affected local languages and traditions.
4. The policy of a nation extending its rule over other territories.
Debates about colonialism often focus on its long-lasting effects.