imperialism

[ im-peer-ee-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.
2. advocacy of imperial or sovereign interests over the interests of the dependent states.
3. imperial government; rule by an emperor or empress.
4. an imperial system of government.
5. British. the policy of so uniting the separate parts of an empire with separate governments as to secure for certain purposes a single state.

imperialism

/ ɪmˈpɪərɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the policy or practice of extending a state's rule over other territories
2. an instance or policy of aggressive behaviour by one state against another
3. the extension or attempted extension of authority, influence, power, etc, by any person, country, institution, etc

   cultural imperialism

4. a system of imperial government or rule by an emperor
5. the spirit, character, authority, etc, of an empire
6. advocacy of or support for any form of imperialism

imperialism

1. Acquisition by a government of other governments or territories, or of economic or cultural power over other nations or territories, often by force. Colonialism is a form of imperialism.

Derived Forms

• imˌperialˈistic, adjective
• imˈperialist, adjectivenoun
• imˌperialˈistically, adverb

Other Words From

• im·peri·al·ist noun adjective
• im·peri·al·istic adjective
• im·peri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• nonim·peri·al·istic adjective
• nonim·peri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• unim·peri·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperialism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; imperial ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

With hair that Marissa’s brother compared to that of ’80s R&B singer El DeBarge and a wardrobe of leather pants and Coogi sweaters, Ramses also is the first person on “Love Is Blind” to quote James Baldwin or use the phrase “hammer of American imperialism” between sips from a golden goblet.

From Los Angeles Times

When I was thinking about this image, I was thinking about Palestine and just the interconnected web of imperialism to oppression and genocide.

From Los Angeles Times

In the past, we've seen the crusades and pogroms and imperialism and colonialism and racism in Christian history.

From Salon

In contrast to the weak royal companies of the earlier age, this version of imperialism combined modern corporations with direct colonial rule in a way that allowed for far more efficient exploitation of local resources.

From Salon

As Prof Munene puts it, China's aim is to show African leaders that "we are in the same boat, we are all victims of Western imperialism".

From BBC