Decolonize (Verb)
Meaning
Grant independence to (a former colony); "West Africa was decolonized in the early 1960's".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- Many African countries gained independence as European powers began to decolonize the continent after World War II.
- South Asia was decolonized in 1947 when India and Pakistan were granted independence.
- Fidel Castro led the movement to decolonize Cuba and create a socialist government.
- The United Nations played a key role in efforts to decolonize countries in Asia and Africa.
- France began to decolonize its territories in North Africa during the latter half of the 20th century.