Imperialism
noun /ɪmˈpɪə.ri.ə.lɪ.z(ə)m/ — The policy of extending power and influence through territorial acquisition.
Definition
The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending a nation's power and dominion — especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control over other territories. Imperialism is the belief that expansion is destiny.
Beyond the definition
Imperialism is what happens when a civilization stops asking 'why?' and starts asking 'why not us?'. Its legacies — economic, cultural, psychological — outlast the empires by centuries.
Origin & history
From Latin 'imperium' (command, power, empire) + '-alism'. Developed in the 19th century to describe the aggressive expansionism of European powers.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The Berlin Conference of 1884 was imperialism made administrative: European powers drew Africa into their competing interests.
Cultural imperialism is subtler than military imperialism — it exports preferences rather than armies.
The legacies of imperialism resist neat endings; they live in borders, languages, and economic structures.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Imperialism” when the meaning fits your context: The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending a nation's power and dominion — especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control over other territories. Imperialism is the belief that expansion is destiny.
Synonyms
colonialism, expansionism, domination, hegemony
Antonyms
self-determination, sovereignty, decolonization
Related words
Imperialism vs colonialism
Imperialism is the overarching policy of extending power through various methods. Colonialism is the specific, physical practice of establishing settlements and direct control over foreign territories.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Two Adults Showing Power Imbalance
Two adults stand in a room, one standing tall and dominant while the other looks down, visibly excluded from the decision-making.
Imperialism involves asserting dominance over others. The stark contrast between the dominant figure and the excluded individual highlights the structural inequality and control inherent in the effort to extend authority over another.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Imperialism" mean?
Imperialism is noun meaning: The policy of extending power and influence through territorial acquisition.. The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending a nation's power and dominion — especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control over other territories. Imperialism is the belief that expansion is destiny.
Where does the word "Imperialism" come from?
From Latin 'imperium' (command, power, empire) + '-alism'. Developed in the 19th century to describe the aggressive expansionism of European powers.