verb (used with object), de·col·o·nized, de·col·o·niz·ing.
- to release from the status of a colony.
- to allow (a colony) to become self-governing or independent.
verb (used without object), de·col·o·nized, de·col·o·niz·ing.
- to free a colony to become self-governing or independent.
verb
- (tr) to grant independence to (a colony)