dominance

[ dom-uh-nuhns ]

noun

1. control; authority; rule; supreme influence.
2. the condition of being dominant, or having the authority to influence or control.
3. Psychology. the disposition of an individual to assert control in dealing with others.
4. Animal Behavior. high status in a social group, usually acquired as the result of aggression, that involves the tendency to take priority in access to limited resources, as food, mates, or space.
5. Neurology. the normal tendency for one side of the brain to be more important than the other in controlling certain functions, as speech and language.

dominance

/ ˈdɒmɪnəns /

noun

1. control; ascendancy

Other Words From

• non·domi·nance noun
• self-domi·nance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominance¹

First recorded in 1810–20; domin(ant) + -ance

Example Sentences

For people who already believe that male dominance and patriarchy are mandated by God, it's easy to feel resentful when told the price of power is duty.

From Salon

But in a post on the social media platform X after the appointment announcement, the politician echoed Trump when he said at EPA he would strive for U.S. “energy dominance.”

From Science Magazine

Disastrously, the results of his dominance over Soviet science included repeated crop failures.

From Los Angeles Times

If how the game ended displayed Herbert’s resilience, the first half was a demonstration of the 26-year-old quarterback’s dominance.

From Los Angeles Times

But if Democratic politicians don’t learn from this election, their supermajority dominance in Sacramento could start eroding.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• control
• domination
• influence
• power
• preeminence
• rule
• sovereignty