Colonialism Vocabulary

verb to establish a colony in; to settle in and establish control over

• Many European countries sought to colonize various regions around the world during the Age of Exploration.
• Back in the day, countries would try to colonize other lands for resources.
• They wanted to go in and colonize that place, but it didn't work out.
• The idea began to colonize his mind, taking over his thoughts and emotions.

noun a pirate or lawless adventurer

verb to act as a pirate or plunderer

• The freeboot was arrested for piracy on the high seas.
• The freeboot was caught stealing from other ships.
• That freeboot is always up to no good.
• He was a freeboot in the world of business, always looking for ways to profit at the expense of others.

noun a person who supports or practices imperialism

adjective relating to or supporting imperialism

• The imperialist policies of the colonial powers led to the exploitation of many indigenous populations.
• Some people think the imperialist countries are just trying to take over everything.
• The imperialist jerks are always trying to control other countries.
• His imperialist attitude towards his employees shows his desire for power and control.

noun a prolonged and tedious discussion or debate

verb to talk unnecessarily at length

• The lengthy palaver between the two parties resulted in a mutually beneficial agreement.
• I don't have time for all this palaver, just give me the bottom line.
• Stop with all the palaver and get to the point!
• The endless palaver of the politicians was just a smokescreen for their hidden agenda.

verb to rob or steal goods from (a place or person) typically using force, especially during a time of war or civil disorder

• The act of plundering historical artifacts is strictly prohibited by international law.
• The pirates were caught red-handed plundering the merchant ship.
• Those thieves were caught plundering the convenience store last night.
• The company was accused of plundering the environment for profit.

noun the office or period of office of a protector

• The country became a protectorate of the larger empire, ensuring its security and sovereignty.
• The smaller nation was basically under the protection of the bigger one, like a protectorate or something.
• They had a sort of buddy-buddy relationship, with one being the protectorate and the other the protector.
• Her older brother always acted like a protectorate, looking out for her in any situation.

verb to bring under control or domination, usually by force

• The indigenous people were subjugated by the colonial powers.
• The team was subjugated by their opponents in the match.
• She felt completely subjugated by her controlling boyfriend.
• Her fear subjugated her ability to speak up for herself.

noun the deliberate destruction of the culture of a group or society, typically through suppression or assimilation

• The act of destroying a culture or way of life is known as culturicide.
• They're trying to erase our traditions and history - it's like culturicide.
• The government's actions are basically committing culturicide on our community.
• The introduction of fast food chains is leading to the culturicide of local cuisine.

noun an economic theory and practice that promotes governmental regulation of a nation's economy for the purpose of increasing state power and building wealth through exports

• Mercantilism was an economic theory that dominated European trade policies in the 16th to 18th centuries.
• Back in the day, mercantilism was all about maximizing exports and accumulating wealth.
• Some people think mercantilism is just a fancy word for old-school capitalism.
• In the world of business, some still cling to the outdated principles of mercantilism.