1. establishes a colony in a place; settles and takes control of an area
Usage: British spelling; third person singular present tense
2. spreads to and establishes a presence in a new environment
Usage: often used of organisms or bacteria

Examples

• Britain colonises many territories during the 18th century.
• The bacteria colonises the patient’s digestive system.
• The company colonises new markets across Europe.
• Coral colonises the artificial reef within months.
• The invasive species colonises native habitats rapidly.
• Spain colonises much of South America in the 1500s.