Word
imperialism
Phoneticsim·pe·ri·al·ism
US/ˌɪmˈpɪɹiəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/ɪmpˈiəɹɪəlˌɪzəm/
Definitions
01political/military control
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the policy of a strong country taking control of other lands to build an empire.
n. 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.
“The history book explains how European imperialism changed the borders of many African countries.”
“Nineteenth-century imperialism was driven by a complex mix of industrial demand for raw materials and a competitive desire for strategic naval bases.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02cultural or economic dominance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. when one culture or system has too much power over others, even without using an army.
n. the imposition of a dominant culture, language, or economic system upon a subordinate society, often perceived as exploitative.
“Some people worry that the global popularity of American movies is a form of cultural imperialism.”
“Critics of linguistic imperialism argue that the global dominance of English may lead to the marginalisation of indigenous languages and traditional knowledge systems.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; can be countable when referring to specific historical instances or different types of the ideology.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From imperial + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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