WordValeannexation
taking territory into an existing state, often by force
In more detail
1. (noun) the action of taking control of a territory and adding it to your own country
2. (noun) a territory that has been added to a country
Examples
- 1. The annexation of the small nation by its powerful neighbor caused international protests.
- 2. The new annexation doubled the country's land area.
How to use annexation
Annexation is a formal, political term referring to the unilateral action of incorporating territory into a state, typically by military or political means. It carries a more forceful connotation than peaceful integration and is often used in discussions of international law, history, and geopolitics. The term is neutral in itself but frequently appears in contexts of controversy or conflict.
Common phrases
- territorial annexation
- annexation of territory
- military annexation
- annexation dispute
- forced annexation
- annex a territory
Synonyms
seizure · incorporation · acquisition · takeover · appropriation
Opposites
independence · separation · secession
Word family
annex (verb) · annexed (adjective) · annexer (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse annexation with colonization; annexation specifically means adding territory to an existing state, while colonization refers to establishing control over and settling a territory.
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