Definitions

1. verb

to settle and establish a colony in a place, especially by a foreign power; to establish a presence or influence in a place, especially by a company or a government.

“The European powers began to colonize the continent in the 18th century.”

2. noun

the act or process of colonizing a place or a people.

“The colonization of the island by the Spanish had a profound impact on the native culture.”

3. transitive verb

to make (a place or people) into a colony.

“The British colonized India during the 19th century.”