imperialise
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make something imperial: "imperialise" means to bring something under imperial control or to give it imperial characteristics, such as extending the rule of an empire over a territory or people.
- To place under the authority of an emperor: It can also mean to subject a political entity to the rule of an emperor.
- To make someone an emperor: In a less common sense, it means to invest someone with the title or status of emperor.
Usage Examples
- (To bring territories under imperial rule.)
- (To place a political entity under the authority of an emperor.)
- (To make someone an emperor.)
Advanced Usage
"to imperialise a political system": to transform a government into an imperial structure.
- The reforms were designed to imperialise the republic, gradually shifting power to a single ruler. (To change the system into an empire-like form.)
"to imperialise trade routes": to bring commerce under imperial dominance.
- The empire worked to imperialise key trade routes, controlling all commerce in the region. (To extend imperial control over economic pathways.)
Variants and Related Words
Imperialisation (n): the process of making something imperial.
- The imperialisation of the region led to widespread resistance. (The act of bringing it under imperial rule.)
Imperial (adj): relating to an empire or emperor.
- The imperial palace was grand and imposing. (Belonging to an empire or emperor.)
Synonyms
- Colonise: to settle and establish political control over a territory.
- Dominate: to have power and influence over a place or group.
- Subjugate: to bring under control, often by force.
Phrasal Verbs
- None commonly associated with "imperialise" as a single-word verb.
Related Idioms
- "To beat the imperial drum": to advocate for or support imperial expansion.
- The politicians were beating the imperial drum, calling for more colonies. (Promoting imperialist policies.)