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

The sediment showed a strong tropical forest dominance during that period and no evidence of crop cultivation, specifically maize.

From Science Daily

The user data that Google secured because of its dominance in search helped "refine Google's search algorithm and sell text ads," Professor Phillips-Sawyer said.

From BBC

The Justice Department has also sued Google over its dominance in advertising technology, and Apple for making it difficult for consumers to leave its tightly knit universe of devices and software.

From New York Times

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

Related Words

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