Definition

1. Noun:
   • A policy or practice of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means: "Imperialism" refers to the strategy of a country expanding its control over foreign territories, often for economic or political gain.
   • A political system based on such a policy: It can also describe the ideology or advocacy for building and maintaining an empire.
   • Any instance of aggressive extension of authority: In a broader, often metaphorical sense, it can refer to any domineering extension of power or control by one entity over others.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The history of the 19th century is marked by European imperialism in Africa and Asia.
  • Critics accused the corporation of economic imperialism for dominating markets in developing countries.
  • The debate centered on the cultural imperialism of one nation's media over another.

Advanced Usage

• "Cultural imperialism": The practice of promoting and imposing one culture on another, often through media and consumer products.

  • Some view the global spread of fast-food chains as a form of cultural imperialism.

• "Economic imperialism": The extension of a country's economic power and influence over other nations or regions.

  • The theory of economic imperialism analyzes how powerful nations control the economies of weaker ones.

Variants and Related Words

• Imperial (adj): Relating to an empire or its ruler.

  • The imperial palace was a symbol of the emperor's power.

• Imperialist (n/adj): (A person) supporting or practicing imperialism.

  • The imperialist powers competed for colonies.

• Anti-imperialism (n): Opposition to imperialism.

  • The movement was rooted in strong anti-imperialism.

Synonyms

• Colonialism: The policy of acquiring and maintaining colonies.
• Expansionism: The policy of territorial or economic expansion.
• Hegemony: Leadership or dominance, especially by one state over others.

Related Phrases

• "The age of imperialism": A historical period, particularly the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by intense imperial expansion.

  • The scramble for Africa occurred during the age of imperialism.

• "Imperial overreach": A situation where an empire expands beyond its capacity to maintain control, often leading to its decline.

  • Historians argue that imperial overreach contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Noun

1. any instance of aggressive extension of authority
2. a political orientation that advocates imperial interests
3. a policy of extending your rule over foreign countries