imperium

[ im-peer-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural im·pe·ri·a [im-, peer, -ee-, uh], im·pe·ri·ums.

1. command; supreme power.
2. area of dominion; sphere of control or monopoly; empire.
3. a nation having or exerting supreme power; superpower.
4. Law. the right to command the force of the state in order to enforce the law.

imperium

/ ɪmˈpɪərɪəm /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) the supreme power, held esp by consuls and emperors, to command and administer in military, judicial, and civil affairs
2. the right to command; supreme power
3. a less common word for empire

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperium¹

1645–55; < Latin: supreme administrative power, authority, empire, equivalent to imper ( āre ) to rule ( imperative ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperium¹

C17: from Latin: command, empire, from imperāre to command; see emperor

Example Sentences

And as 1,500 French troops and that country’s ambassador were being withdrawn, Niger’s new military leaders promptly contacted Wagner for support, expanding Russia’s sphere of influence in the French imperium it was fast supplanting.

From Salon

And because we are still the hegemon, we have a great deal to lose from aggressive actions that court chaos, as opposed to careful measures that stabilize our imperium’s peripheries.

From Seattle Times

In Poland — a nation held captive in the totalitarian Soviet imperium for decades before leading the struggle to break those chains and rejoin Europe — ideas of heroism and sacrifice endured.

From New York Times

He attacked because he wanted to rebuild the old Soviet imperium and because he believed — foolishly — that he was going to win.

From Washington Post

The memory of the 18th-century commander is vivid for those in the Kremlin bent on restoring the Russian imperium.

From New York Times

Related Words

• authority
• clout
• influence
• jurisdiction
• law
• leadership
• management
• prestige
• privilege
• right
• rule
• sovereignty
• strength
• weight