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Glite Dictionary
to balkanize

to balkanize

2 9.9
Divide a country or group into smaller, often hostile, parts
  • verb
  • /ˈbɔlkəˌnaɪz/
translation icon : balcanizar
  • The decision to balkanize the region has led to increased tensions among different ethnic groups.
  • markets were balkanized

Examples

  • It is feared in some quarters that this award might politically balkanize India.

    Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

  • China and Russia would love to see the USA balkanize into multiple infighting states.

    Blog text (17)

  • There were few interconnections, and gas markets were balkanized.

    Academic text (1993)

  • It balkanizes an interconnected ecosystem into artificial units of individual ownership.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Chicago remains heavily segregated and racially balkanized, as the recent quest for a single black mayoral candidate illustrates.

    Blog text (10)

  • Interestingly, the Arab people's hope for the establishment of a federation of Arab states was dashed when the two imperialist powers decided to balkanize the region into several so-called "independent states."

    Academic text (1992)

  • Recent political actions threaten to balkanize communities, creating divides rather than fostering unity.

  • If we allow ourselves to balkanize over differing opinions, collaboration will become nearly impossible.

Synonyms

to polarize
vsto balkanize
  • Literature
23 7.2

Make people or groups divide into two opposing sides

splits areas into several hostile units rather than only two opposing sides
to resegregate
vsto balkanize
1 9.1

To separate people into different groups again after they mixed

splits regions or groups into hostile units rather than merely repeating separation
to factionalize
vsto balkanize
  • US
1 8.7

To make a group or organization split into smaller groups that disagree

creates separate hostile units often tied to territory rather than internal factions
to divide us further
vsto balkanize
6.5

Cause people to disagree and feel less united

divides areas or groups into smaller hostile units rather than only creating conflict
to sectionalize
vsto balkanize
8.0

To divide a country or city into areas for local government

focuses on hostile, ethnic, or territorial breakups rather than neutral sections
to fragmentize
vsto balkanize
8.2

To break something into many small pieces

splits social or political communities into hostile, smaller units not physical pieces

Antonyms

to integrate
179 4.1

To join things or ideas so they form one whole

to unify
65 3.7

To bring people or things together into one group

How Divided

to balkanize
2 9.9
to divide
680 1.1
to unify
65 3.7

Surface Forms

balkanize infinitive
balkanized past
balkanized past participle
balkanizing present participle
balkanizes third person singular

Morphology

balkanize = Balkan (semi-transparent) = Balkan + ize

Formed from 'Balkan' + the verb-forming suffix '-ize'; the general idea 'to make like the Balkans (i.e., fragment)' is derivable but the political connotation of hostile, small units requires extra historical/political knowledge.

Etymology

Balkanize comes from the Balkan region of southeast Europe, a name from a Turkish word for 'mountain' and a place that was split into many small states. The ending -ize means 'to make', so to balkanize something is to break it into smaller, often hostile parts.