imperialism
noun
Mona DomoshGeorge YangClive James 
Usage of Colonialism and Imperialism
In contexts dealing with the domination of a people or area by a foreign power, colonialism and imperialism are often used together with no real distinction in meaning. Used separately, however, each of these words can take on a slightly different emphasis. Colonialism comes from colony, and tends to be applied in contexts addressing the effects that colonialism has on the lives of those living in colonies. Imperialism is closely related to empire and therefore tends to place more emphasis on the ruling power and its intent to expand its dominion, as well as on the expanded empire itself, with its distinct parts subsumed under the banner of the dominating force.
Did you know?
Linguistic Roots of Imperialism
The original meaning of imperialism was a simple one: "imperial government," that is, empire in the classical sense (such as existed in ancient Rome, China, and Greece). In more recent times, imperialism has become synonymous with western hegemony in Africa and Asia from the 18th through the 20th centuries and with the spreading cultural influence of the United States. Formerly implying military and governmental dominance, the word today is often invoked in a wider variety of contexts, such as cultural imperialism, media imperialism, and economic imperialism. And while there has been considerable debate about the net effects of western dominance in other parts of the world, in its current use, imperialism often carries a negative connotation.
Examples of imperialism in a Sentence
Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Oct. 2024
Over the next four years, its manpower and industrial might enabled the forces of democracy to end the threat of German Nazism in Europe and Japanese imperialism in the Pacific.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
While he is still admired for his conservation efforts and progressive reforms while in office, his belief in a racial hierarchy and staunch imperialism continue to spark ongoing debate.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
The science-fiction epic, based on Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, warns of the dangers of religious extremism, imperialism and climate disaster in a tale inspired by MENA culture.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imperialism 
Dictionary Entries Near imperialism
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperialism. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imperialism
noun
Share