1. to establish a colony in a place; to send settlers to live in and control a territory
2. to take control of a place or organization and use it for one’s own purposes
3. to spread to and establish in a new habitat or environment
Usage: biology

Examples

• European powers colonized much of Africa in the 19th century.
• The Spanish colonized large parts of South America.
• Bacteria can colonize wounds if they are not properly cleaned.
• The company tried to colonize the new market with aggressive advertising.
• Invasive species often colonize new ecosystems rapidly.
• Settlers colonized the western territories in search of land and opportunity.