# imperialism

/ˌɪmˈpɪɹiəˌɫɪzəm/ (US) · /ɪmpˈiəɹɪəlˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/imperialism
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. political/military control

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the policy of a strong country taking control of other lands to build an empire.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general concept.

Teaching tip: While related to 'colonialism', imperialism is a broader term that includes indirect control (like economic pressure) without necessarily sending settlers.

### 2. cultural or economic dominance

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

when one culture or system has too much power over others, even without using an army.

For teachers: 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: Frequently paired with modifiers like 'cultural', 'economic', or 'linguistic'.

Teaching tip: In modern debates, this sense is often used as a criticism of Western influence on the rest of the world.

## Examples

- The history of the 19th century was shaped by European imperialism.
- Critics argued that the corporation's aggressive expansion into foreign markets was a modern form of economic imperialism.
- Scholars often distinguish between formal imperialism, involving direct military conquest, and informal imperialism, where influence is exerted through lopsided trade agreements and cultural dominance.

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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.