COLONIZE

v. (also -ise) 1 tr. a establish a colony or colonies in (a country or area). b settle as colonists. 2 intr. establish or join a colony. 3 tr. US Polit. plant voters in (a district) for party purposes. 4 tr. Biol. (of plants and animals) become established (in an area). colonization n. colonizer n.