Annexion is a term that is often used in the field of politics and international relations. It refers to the process of one country or territory taking over another country or territory, either by force or through a diplomatic agreement. This article will explore the various definitions and meanings of annexion, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
Annexion can be defined as the act of annexing or incorporating a territory or country into another. It is a process that can be achieved through various means, including military conquest, diplomatic negotiations, or economic coercion.
Origin
The term annexion comes from the Latin word “annexio,” which means “to attach” or “to join.” It has been used in various forms throughout history, dating back to ancient Rome and the annexation of territories in Gaul and Hispania.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, annexion is defined as “the act of annexing or the state of being annexed.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the action of annexing or the fact of being annexed, especially the incorporation of new territory into an existing political entity.”
Associations
Annexion is often associated with imperialism and colonialism, as it involves one country or territory exerting control over another. It can also be associated with territorial disputes and conflicts between nations.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of annexion include annexation, incorporation, assimilation, and subjugation.
Antonyms
Antonyms of annexion include separation, independence, autonomy, and sovereignty.
The same root words
Annexion shares the same root word as annex, which refers to the process of adding or attaching something to an existing structure or system.
Example Sentences
- The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 was a controversial move that sparked protests and resistance from the Hawaiian people.
- The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 was widely condemned by the international community as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- The assimilation of indigenous peoples into European colonial societies is often cited as an example of the negative effects of annexion.