(Alternate spelling: decolonisation).
The action of changing from colonial to independent status; SYN. decolonisation.
Gradual achievement of independence by former colonies of the European imperial powers, which began after World War I. The process of decolonization accelerated after World War II and the movement affected every continent: India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain 1947; Algeria gained independence from France 1962.
1. Fin du règne de la puissance coloniale.
2. Accession ŕ l'indépendance.