decolonization (deˌcoloniˈzation) or decolonisation (deˌcoloniˈsation)
noun
decolonize in American English
(diˈkɑləˌnaiz)
Word forms: verb-nized, -nizing
transitive verb
1.
to release from the status of a colony
2.
to allow (a colony) to become self-governing or independent
intransitive verb
3.
to free a colony to become self-governing or independent
Alsoesp Britdecolonise
Derived forms
decolonization
noun
Word origin
[de- + colonize]de- is a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin (decide); also used to indicate privation, removal, and separation (dehumidify), negation (demerit; derange), descent (degrade; deduce), reversal (detract), or intensity (decompound)