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. See empire
   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

Boehner has no sense of imperium, and no apparent ability to threaten or intimidate rank-and-file members into falling in line.

From The Daily Beast

And Pandit never ruled with the imperium that used to come with this office.

From The Daily Beast

Obtenditur Regin imperium, interponitur etiam Gubernatoris auctoritas.

From Project Gutenberg

Walk down to the Imperium with me, Harry, and have a bit of lunch.

From Project Gutenberg

That same afternoon he went over to the Imperium to vote at the election of members.

From Project Gutenberg

They were a band of aristocrats dwelling in a democracy, an imperium in imperio.

From Project Gutenberg

You know, however, in this world that there is another world—orb within orb—an imperium in imperio—the Exclusives.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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