What is "decolonize"

decolonize \decolonize\ v. t. to grant independence to (a former colony). [Also spelled decolonise.]

decolonize \decolonize\ v. i. to release one's colonies and free them to become independednt nations; -- of nations. [Also spelled decolonise.]

vb. 1 to release from the status of colony 2 to allow a colony to become independent

v. grant independence to (a former colony); "West Africa was decolonized in the early 1960's" [syn: decolonise] [ant: colonize, colonize]