decol´o|niz´er

de|col|o|nize «dee KOL uh nyz», verb, -nized, -niz|ing.

–v.t.

1. to establish as a self-governing area; remove from colonial status: »

Having achieved political freedom, most African states face the problem of decolonizing their economics (Atlantic).

2. to deprive of a colony or colonies.

–v.i.

to divest itself of a colony or colonies: »

My country [Spain] is the only one in the world which, while it is decolonizing, is itself the victim of colonialism (Fernando Castiella y Maiz).

–decol´o|niz´er, noun.