colonize
UK: ˈkɒlənaɪz | US: ˈkɑːlənaɪz
vt. to establish a colony in or on (a place)
vt. to settle in a new area with political or economic control
vi. (of plants or animals) to establish themselves in a new habitat
The word traces back to Roman expansion practices, where colonia were outposts for land distribution to citizens. The verb form emerged in the 16th century during European colonial ventures, reflecting the process of claiming and controlling foreign lands. The suffix -ize systematized the action, turning the noun "colony" into an active verb.
European powers sought to colonize the Americas in the 16th century.
The invasive species began to colonize the coastal ecosystem rapidly.
Critics argue that the company’s expansion aims to colonize emerging markets.
Mars colonization projects envision humans colonizing the planet by 2050.
Lichens are among the first organisms to colonize bare rock surfaces.