colonize
/ˈkɑləˌnaɪz/
verb
- To send people to live in and control a new territory, often taking over the land and resources from the original inhabitants.
- European countries colonized many parts of the world during the 16th and 17th centuries.
- They attempted to colonize the region, but faced strong resistance.
- The plan was to colonize the island and establish a trading post.
- Of animals or plants, to establish a group or population in a new area.
- Weeds quickly colonized the empty lot after the building was torn down.
- Birds colonized the small island after it formed from volcanic activity.
- The new species began to colonize the riverbanks.
- To take over or occupy a place or field in a way that feels invasive or dominant (figurative).
- Large tech companies have colonized the online advertising market.
- The new café colonized the corner of the neighborhood, pushing out smaller shops.
- Social media has colonized much of our free time.
Antonyms