Colonialism Meaning and Definition
Colonialism
Pronunciation
/kəˈlɒnʃəlɪzəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The policy of a nation seeking to establish and maintain colonies in other countries, often characterized by the exploitation of local resources and labor.
Etymology
From Latin colonialis, from colonus, cultivator, settler.
Usage Notes
Colonialism can refer to historical periods of colonization, as well as the ongoing effects of colonialization on indigenous cultures and societies.
Cultural References
Colonialism has been depicted in novels such as “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad and “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy, as well as in films like “Apocalypse Now” and “The Killing Fields.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “The White Man’s Burden”
Related Words or Phrases
- Colonizer
- Imperialism
- Settler
- Culture clash
Collocations
- Colonialism and exploitation
- Colonialism and oppression
Frequency of Use
Colonialism is a topic of ongoing discussion and examination in academic and social circles, with a frequency of use in modern language that reflects its continued relevance and impact.
Common Misspellings
- Colonalsm
- Colenialism