What does decolonised mean?
Decolonised means that colonial rule has ended, either describing the resulting condition or referring to the act of ending colonial control. It is commonly used for countries, territories, peoples, and institutions that have become independent or are no longer governed as colonies. The word is closely associated with the dismantling of European colonial empires during the 20th century, although decolonisation has also described earlier independence movements and the transfer of authority from colonial powers. In phrases such as “decolonised nation” and “decolonised territory,” it functions as an adjective; in constructions such as “the treaty decolonised the region,” it functions as a verb form. The term carries historical and political significance, often implying not merely a change in sovereignty but a major transition in political representation, identity, and international status. British English uses the spelling “decolonised,” while American English generally writes “decolonized.”
To end colonial rule over a territory or state, bringing it out of colonial status.
"The conference decolonised the island and recognised its independence."
Usually used in political, historical, or postcolonial contexts.
Having had colonial rule ended; no longer under colonial control.
"The decolonised country established a new national government."
Common in expressions referring to former colonies, independent states, and decolonised territories.
Decolonised marks the moment when a colony becomes a sovereign state, turning a political ending into a new national beginning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does decolonised come from?
The word combines the English prefix “de-” with “colonise,” producing a form associated with the reversal or removal of colonial rule. “Colonial” and its related forms derive from Latin “colonialis,” connected with “colonia,” a settlement or colony, which in turn relates to Latin “colonus,” a cultivator or settler. The compound became especially prominent during the period when colonial empires were dismantled and former colonies became independent states. Its main English relatives include colonial, colonise, colonisation, and colonizer.
Related word forms
How decolonised is actually used
The form is especially associated with political, historical, and postcolonial contexts and is generally formal or neutral. British English uses “decolonised,” while American English usually uses “decolonized.”
Easily confused with decolonised
Decolonised is the British spelling, while decolonized is the American spelling; both forms have the same meaning.