Exterritorialize

/ˌɛkstərɪˈtɔːriəlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To remove or exempt something from the jurisdiction or sovereignty of a particular territory or nation.

Etymology

From Latin 'ex-' (out of) + 'territorium' (territory) + '-alize' (to make or become). Emerged in 19th-century international law discourse to describe the diplomatic practice of granting special status to foreign envoys and their residences.

Kelly Says

Embassy buildings are legally exterritorialized spaces—stepping into one actually means you're standing on foreign soil even though you're physically in another country, which is why ambassadors can't be arrested by local police.

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