— decolonization , n.
/dee kol"euh nuyz'/ , v. , decolonized, decolonizing .
v.t.
1. to release from the status of a colony.
2. to allow (a colony) to become self-governing or independent.
v.i.
3. to free a colony to become self-governing or independent.
Also, esp. Brit., decolonise .
[ DE- + COLONIZE ]