imperialism

noun

im·pe·ri·al·ism | \ im-ˈpir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm

Definition of imperialism

1 : imperial government, authority, or system

2 : the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas broadly : the extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence union imperialism

Other Words from imperialism Linguistic Roots of Imperialism Example Sentences Learn More about imperialism

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Other Words from imperialism

imperialist \ im-ˈpir-ē-ə-list

\ noun or adjective

imperialistic \ im-ˌpir-ē-ə-ˈli-stik

\ adjective

imperialistically \ im-ˌpir-ē-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Linguistic Roots of Imperialism

The original meaning of imperialism was a simple one: "imperial government," that is, empire in the classical sense (such as existed in ancient Rome, China, and Greece). In more recent times, imperialism has become synonymous with western hegemony in Africa and Asia from the 18th through the 20th centuries and with the spreading cultural influence of the United States. Formerly implying military and governmental dominance, the word today is often invoked in a wider variety of contexts, such as cultural imperialism, media imperialism, and economic imperialism. And while there has been considerable debate about net the effects of western dominance in other parts of the world, in its current use, imperialism often carries a negative connotation.

Examples of imperialism in a Sentence

British imperialism created the enormous British Empire.

Recent Examples on the Web

This stance makes him exceptional among Latin American intellectuals, many of whom are still bewitched by anti-imperialism and socialism. — The Economist, "Mario Vargas Llosa explains why his politics changed," 26 Apr. 2018 McCain was born in 1936, at a Navy base in the Panama Canal Zone, a literal child of U.S. imperialism whose father and grandfather were both Navy admirals during their lifetimes. — Prince Shakur, Teen Vogue, "The Legacy Left Behind by John McCain Is Imperfect Yet Impactful," 27 Aug. 2018 In their youth, these men and women saved the world from Nazism and Japanese imperialism. — Karl Rove, WSJ, "George Bush’s Leadership by Example," 4 Dec. 2018 Her work explored issues like the island’s colonial past and the legacy of slavery and American imperialism. — New York Times, "Overlooked No More: Julia de Burgos, a Poet Who Helped Shape Puerto Rico’s Identity," 28 May 2018 But after 40 years of cash and materiel shortages, the regime has learned how to wage imperialism on the cheap. — Reuel Marc Gerecht, WSJ, "Tehran Counts on a Divided West," 12 Dec. 2018 So my name is a combination of Spanish colonialism and American imperialism. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Full Q&A: ‘Dear America’ author Jose Antonio Vargas on Recode Decode," 24 Nov. 2018 These young folks have valid reasoning for deciding not to play further into U.S. capitalism, imperialism, and white supremacy. — Clarissa Brooks, Teen Vogue, "Nonvoters Have Valid Criticisms of the United States Government," 16 Nov. 2018 Germans are often too direct and sometimes too anti-American for me (discussions about American imperialism and German nationalism can sour fast). — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Perfect Long Weekend in Bavaria," 17 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imperialism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.