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

Despite Franklin’s efforts, this publishing imperialism tended to stunt the growth of indigenous publishing in many countries. — Amanda Laugesen, Smithsonian, "This Cold War-Era Publishing House Wanted To Share American Values With the World," 13 July 2018 But opponents argue that the new test – which starts with AD 1450 – eliminates valuable opportunities to study non-Western cultures before European imperialism. — Noble Ingram, The Christian Science Monitor, "AP test debate: How much world history should high-schoolers know?," 22 June 2018 Meanwhile, certain sectors of the left have long held the idea of human rights in suspicion, seeing it as merely a fig leaf for Western imperialism, a way for powerful countries to take charge of the affairs of the less powerful. — Adam Kirsch, WSJ, "‘Not Enough’ Review: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There," 19 Apr. 2018 Could Georgia and Ukraine still rely on American military might to keep them safe from Russian imperialism? — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Ends NATO Summit by Announcing a Diplomatic Breakthrough That Did Not Happen," 12 July 2018 As alternative deciding factors, scholars have offered everything from religion to natural resources, high labor prices to imperialism. — Heather Souvaine Horn, The New Republic, "A System in Denial," 16 Apr. 2018 British history is marred by imperialism and exploitation. — The Economist, "Podsnappery and its reverse," 21 June 2018 Short as the individual lyrics are, the howling bill of imperialism is almost unbearable to read more than a few items a time. — Benjamin Kunkel, The New Republic, "The partisan world of Pablo Neruda," 2 July 2018 The Iran deal offered the illusion of containing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions while facilitating its imperialism. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Disruption Isn’t Enough," 10 June 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.