colonize
//ˈkɒl.ə.naɪz//
Verb
colonizeInfinitive
colonizePresent tense
colonizedPast tense
colonizedPast participle
colonizingPresent participle
colonizesThird-person singular
1
To establish a colony in a place; to settle among and establish political control over the indigenous people of an area.
European powers colonized many parts of Africa in the 19th century.
2
To migrate to and settle in a new area, often displacing or dominating the original inhabitants.
European settlers colonized many parts of North America in the 17th century.
3
(Biology) To spread to and establish a presence in a new environment, as organisms or species.
Bacteria can colonize the human gut within hours of birth.