dominion

[ duh-min-yuhn ]

noun

1. the power or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority.
2. rule; control; domination.
3. a territory, usually of considerable size, in which a single rulership holds sway.
4. lands or domains subject to sovereignty or control.
5. Government. a territory constituting a self-governing commonwealth and being one of a number of such territories united in a community of nations, or empire: formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire, as Canada and New Zealand.
6. dominions, Theology. domination ( def 3 ).

dominion

/ dəˈmɪnjən /

noun

1. rule; authority
2. the land governed by one ruler or government
3. sphere of influence; area of control
4. a name formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire
5. theDominion
   New Zealand
6. law a less common word for dominium

Other Words From

• inter·do·minion adjective
• self-do·minion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominion¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin dominiōn- (unrecorded), stem of dominiō (unrecorded) “lordship,” from Latin domin(ium) dominium + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominion¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin dominium ownership, from dominus master

Example Sentences

One home-school movement has developed a package for families to build “a 200-year plan for family dominion.”

From Salon

He also works closely with Ziklag, the secretive network of ultrawealthy conservative Christians that aims to “take dominion” over every major sphere of influence in American culture.

From Salon

They completely are mostly agreed that “the U. S. government should declare America a Christian nation’’ and that “God has called Christians to exercise dominion over all areas of American Society.”

From Salon

Ziklag’s goal, the documents say, is to “take dominion over the Seven Mountains,” funding Christian projects or installing devout Christians in leadership positions to reshape each mountain in a godly way.

From Salon

Crooked mayors can deliver corrupt cops and other benefits to criminals seeking dominion over smuggling routes, extortion targets, municipal budgets and other opportunities in their territories, or plazas.

From Los Angeles Times