English Reference
noun

domination

n.
US /ˌdɑməˈneɪʃən/ UK /dˌɒmɪnˈeɪʃən/ dom·i·na·tion UK spelling dominations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    power or control over other people, countries, or groups.

    the exercise of power or influence over others, often through superior force, resources, or position.

    Simple

    The empire's domination of the region lasted for over two hundred years.

    In context

    The treaty was designed to prevent the total domination of the continent by any single military power.

    submissionsubordination
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    being much better or more successful than everyone else in a game or market.

    the state of prevailing over competitors through superior skill, ability, or market share.

    Simple

    The team's domination of the league was clear after they won ten games in a row.

    In context

    Market analysts were surprised by the tech giant's rapid domination of the mobile payment sector within a single fiscal year.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalLiterary Religion

    a high-ranking type of angel in some religious traditions.

    a member of the fourth order of angels in the celestial hierarchy.

    Simple

    The old painting showed various ranks of angels, including the dominations.

    In context

    In medieval theology, the dominations were believed to regulate the duties of lower angelic orders.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    a type of sexual activity where one person has power and control over the other.

    a practice involving the consensual exercise of power and discipline over a partner.

    Simple

    The book explores the psychology behind themes of domination and submission.

    In context

    The study examines how power dynamics like domination are negotiated within specific subcultures.

He argued that continued Tshisekedi rule could be viewed there as a form of domination and that self-determination should be part of the political debate.

Al Jazeera· 25 Aug 2026

From Middle English domynacion, from Old French dominacion, from Latin dominātiō (“rule, dominion”), from dominor (“domineer; rule”); see dominate.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin dominātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated