Orbanisation UK /ˌɔːbɑːnaɪˈzeɪʃən/US /ˌɔɹbɑnaɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun1 •(slang) The process by which a (typically Western) democracy becomes undemocratic as an authoritarian leader takes control of its institutions and degrades the rule of law in order to remain in power.