# domination

/ˌdɑməˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɒmɪnˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/domination
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. control or influence

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The empire's domination of the region lasted for over two hundred years.
- The treaty was designed to prevent the total domination of the continent by any single military power.

### 2. competitive success

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The team's domination of the league was clear after they won ten games in a row.
- Market analysts were surprised by the tech giant's rapid domination of the mobile payment sector within a single fiscal year.

### 3. angelic rank

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

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

For teachers: a member of the fourth order of angels in the celestial hierarchy.

- The old painting showed various ranks of angels, including the dominations.
- In medieval theology, the dominations were believed to regulate the duties of lower angelic orders.

### 4. sexual power play

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The book explores the psychology behind themes of domination and submission.
- The study examines how power dynamics like domination are negotiated within specific subcultures.

## Examples

- The team's domination of the league lasted for ten years.
- The company's domination of the smartphone market makes it very difficult for smaller startups to compete.
- Historians often debate whether the empire's cultural domination was a result of military might or the widespread adoption of its legal and administrative systems.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.