Annex

To annex, in its verb form, means to incorporate a territory or area into an existing political unit, such as a country, state, or city.

This often involves a formal declaration and assertion of sovereignty over the newly acquired land. It can also mean to add or attach something, often in a subordinate or secondary capacity. As a noun, an Annex refers to a building added onto a larger one, serving as an extension or supplementary part.

The process of annexation is frequently controversial, raising issues of international law, self-determination, and the rights of the inhabitants of the annexed territory.

Annexation can be achieved through various means, including military force, treaty negotiation, or political maneuvering.

Annex meaning with examples

• Germany controversially annexed Austria in 1938, a move known as the Anschluss, which was widely condemned by the international community and set the stage for further aggression in Europe leading up to World War II.
• The city council voted to Annex the surrounding farmland to accommodate its growing population and expand its tax base, leading to debates over zoning regulations and preservation of rural character.
• After the conference hall proved too small, the organizers decided to Annex the adjacent auditorium to provide more seating for attendees, effectively doubling the available space for the event.
• Following the peace treaty, the victorious nation sought to Annex the resource-rich province from its defeated rival, aiming to secure control over crucial mineral deposits and strategic waterways.