annex
Definitions
To take control of and incorporate territory into one's own state, usually by force
兼并，并吞（领土，常指武力强占）
A building or part added onto a larger one
附属建筑，附楼，配楼
An extra section added to the end of a document; an appendix
（文件的）附件，附录
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedad- (onto) — assimilated to an- before n — + nect/nex (tie) = "tie onto." One image of fastening something onto a bigger thing fans out into three uses. A state ties foreign land onto itself: annex a territory, usually by force, so the word feels aggressive. A builder ties a new wing onto a building: the annex. An editor ties an extra document onto a contract: an annex (appendix). Same knot, three worlds — political, architectural, clerical.
Root nect still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Stress shift — as a verb, stress falls on the second syllable: an-NEX. As a noun (the building/document), British English often stresses the first: AN-nex. Register — the verb is heavily political/legal (annexing territory), almost always with a coercive overtone; you would not 'annex' something neutral. The noun senses (a wing of a building, an appendix to a document) are neutral and everyday. BrE/AmE spelling — the noun is sometimes spelled annexe in British English, but the verb is always annex.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The empire annexed the neighboring province in 1908.
- 2.
Several countries refused to recognize the annexed region.
- 3.
The science labs are in the annex behind the main hall.
- 4.
Full data tables are provided in the annex to this report.