territorialize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, bureaucratic, political.
Quick answer
What does “territorialize” mean?
To organize or bring under the control of a territory.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To organize or bring under the control of a territory; to establish territorial rights or claims over something.
To assign or restrict something to a specific geographical area; to make something territorial in character, often implying exclusion of outsiders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent in both varieties, though slightly more frequent in American English in geopolitical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply expansionism, administrative control, or the assertion of dominance over a space.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, primarily found in specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “territorialize” in a Sentence
[Agent] territorializes [Theme] (over/in [Location])[Theme] is territorialized by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “territorialize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonial power sought to territorialise the entire coastline.
- New regulations could effectively territorialise fishing rights.
American English
- The company moved to territorialize its sales operations by region.
- Scholars argue that the aim was to territorialize political loyalty.
adverb
British English
- The border was being extended territorialisingly.
American English
- They acted territorializingly, dividing the market.
adjective
British English
- The territorialising impulse of the state was evident.
American English
- The territorializing efforts faced strong local resistance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company aims to territorialize its distribution networks to prevent internal competition between regional branches.
Academic
The study examines how medieval kingdoms sought to territorialize their power through the construction of border fortresses.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The treaty prevents any state from attempting to territorialize the resources of the lunar surface.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “territorialize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “territorialize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “territorialize”
- Confusing with 'terrorize'. Incorrectly using as a direct synonym for 'localize'. Using the noun form 'territorialization' when the verb is needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, political, and corporate discourse.
'Localize' means to adapt something to a local area. 'Territorialize' implies imposing political or administrative control over a territory, often with a sense of claiming ownership or exclusive rights.
Yes, it can describe the practice of dividing markets, sales regions, or responsibilities along strict geographical lines to avoid internal competition or assert control.
Typically, British English may use 'territorialise' and American English 'territorialize', but the '-ize' spelling is increasingly accepted in British English for this type of verb.
To organize or bring under the control of a territory.
Territorialize is usually formal, academic, bureaucratic, political. in register.
Territorialize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛr.ɪˈtɔː.ri.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌter.ɪˈtɔːr.i.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Related to 'draw a line in the sand', 'stake a claim'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Making it part of your TERRITORY' + '-ize' (to make).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS TERRITORY (extending control is like claiming land).
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'territorialize' in the sentence: 'The agreement prevented any single country from territorializing the Arctic passage.'?