Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To cause something or someone to adopt European customs, character, or ideas.
   • To bring under the influence or control of European nations or a European community.

Usage

The verb "europeanise" describes the process of imposing or adopting European cultural, political, or social norms. It is often used in historical, sociological, or political contexts to discuss influence and change.

Examples

• The colonial administration sought to europeanise the local legal system.
• Some argue that global trade policies have helped to europeanise business practices worldwide.
• The treaty provisions aimed to europeanise the economic regulations of the member states.

Advanced Usage

• "Europeanise" vs. "Europeanize": Both spellings are correct, with "europeanise" being more common in British English and "europeanize" in American English. The meaning is identical.
• Often used in passive voice to describe the state of being influenced: "The region became increasingly europeanised during the 19th century."

Variants and Related Words

• Europeanisation (n.): The process or result of making something European in character.
  • The Europeanisation of the cuisine was evident in the new restaurants.
• Europeanised (adj.): Having been made European in character.
  • He returned from his studies with a more Europeanised worldview.

Synonyms

• Westernise: To adopt or cause to adopt Western (often specifically European or North American) ideas or customs.
• Acculturate: To assimilate or cause to assimilate a different culture, typically that of a dominant group.

Antonyms

• De-Europeanise: To remove European characteristics or influence. (Note: This is a rare, constructed antonym.)
• Indigenise: To bring under indigenous control or to adapt to local conditions.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To europeanise a system: A common collocation referring to reforming administrative, legal, or economic structures along European models.
  • The government's plan was to thoroughly europeanise the education system.

Verb

1. make (continental) European in customs, character, or ideas
2. denationalize and subject (a territory) to the supervision of an agency of a European community of nations