Balkanize

[ bawl-kuh-nahyz ]
/ ˈbɔl kəˌnaɪz /

verb (used with object), Bal·kan·ized, Bal·kan·iz·ing.

to divide (a country, territory, etc.) into small, quarrelsome, ineffectual states.
(often lowercase) to divide (groups, areas, etc.) into contending and usually ineffectual factions: a movement to balkanize minority voters.
Also especially British, Bal·kan·ise.

Origin of Balkanize

First recorded in 1915–20; Balkan + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM Balkanize

Bal·kan·i·za·tion, noun Bal·kan·ism, noun

British Dictionary definitions for balkanize

Balkanize

Balkanise

/ (ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to divide (a territory) into small warring states
to divide (a group or organization) into small factions

Derived forms of Balkanize

Balkanization or Balkanisation, noun Balkanized or Balkanised, adjective