1. to free a colony from control by another country and allow it to become independent
2. to remove or reduce the influence of colonial ideas, practices, or structures
Usage: often used in academic or social contexts

Examples

• Many African nations began to decolonize in the 1960s.
• The British Empire gradually decolonized most of its territories after World War II.
• India was one of the first major colonies to decolonize in 1947.
• Universities are working to decolonize their curricula by including more diverse perspectives.
• The movement seeks to decolonize traditional approaches to education.
• Activists argue we must decolonize our thinking about indigenous cultures.