colonize
verbUK /ˈkɒlənaɪz/
US /ˈkɑːlənaɪz/
To go to a new place and start living there.
Long ago, people sailed across the sea to colonize new lands.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. To take control of another country or its people.
The empire tried to colonize the small island nation.
3. For plants or animals to spread and live in a new area.
These birds have begun to colonize the northern forests.
4. For bacteria or germs to grow and multiply in a place.
Harmful bacteria can colonize the wound if it is not kept clean.