imperialism
- 01 C1 Advanced
the policy of a strong country taking control of other lands to build an empire.
the state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas.
Simple“The history book explains how European imperialism changed the borders of many African countries.”
In context“Nineteenth-century imperialism was driven by a complex mix of industrial demand for raw materials and a competitive desire for strategic naval bases.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general concept.
Teacher's tipWhile related to 'colonialism', imperialism is a broader term that includes indirect control (like economic pressure) without necessarily sending settlers.
SynonymscolonialismexpansionismAntonymsisolationismanti imperialism - 02 C1 Advanced
when one culture or system has too much power over others, even without using an army.
the imposition of a dominant culture, language, or economic system upon a subordinate society, often perceived as exploitative.
Simple“Some people worry that the global popularity of American movies is a form of cultural imperialism.”
In context“Critics of linguistic imperialism argue that the global dominance of English may lead to the marginalisation of indigenous languages and traditional knowledge systems.”
UsageFrequently paired with modifiers like 'cultural', 'economic', or 'linguistic'.
Teacher's tipIn modern debates, this sense is often used as a criticism of Western influence on the rest of the world.
“Lactose intolerance is one example of what I call nutritional imperialism : a way of thinking that treats white diets as the norm and everyone else’s as an aberration.”
“Despite being a latecomer to imperialism, through military annexation and invasion Japan took control of large swaths of Asia.”
From imperial + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.