Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of imperialism: Describes policies, actions, or attitudes that support or extend a nation's power and influence over other countries, typically through colonization, use of military force, or other forms of domination.
   • Supporting or advocating for imperialism: Expressing belief in the principles of imperialism.

2. Noun:

   • A believer in or advocate of imperialism: A person who supports the policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
   • A person who participates in or benefits from imperialist policies: Often refers to someone involved in the administration or exploitation of an empire.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The country was criticized for its imperialist ambitions in the region.
  • They analyzed the imperialist policies of the 19th century.
• Noun:
  • He was a staunch imperialist who believed in the civilizing mission of his nation.
  • The imperialists exploited the colony's resources for their own gain.

Advanced Usage

• "imperialist agenda": Refers to a set of political or economic goals aimed at expanding influence and control over other territories.
  • The speech revealed the government's imperialist agenda.
• "anti-imperialist": (As a noun or adjective) Opposed to imperialism. (Note: This is a compound term listed here as it is a direct and common antonymous formation).
  • The movement was fundamentally anti-imperialist in nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Imperialistic (adjective): Functionally synonymous with the adjective form 'imperialist'. Often used interchangeably.
  • The regime's imperialistic expansion led to conflict.
• Imperialism (noun): The policy, practice, or advocacy of imperial power and expansion.
  • The age of imperialism reshaped the world map.
• Empire (noun): A major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority.
  • The Roman empire covered vast territories.

Synonyms

• Colonialist: (Adjective/Noun) Specifically relating to establishing colonies, a key aspect of imperialism.
• Expansionist: (Adjective/Noun) Focused on the aspect of increasing territorial or economic influence.
• Hegemonist: (Adjective/Noun) Relating to the dominance of one state over others.

Related Phrases

• "imperialist power": A nation that engages in or is characterized by imperialist policies.
  • In the 19th century, Britain was the foremost imperialist power.
• "cultural imperialism": The practice of promoting and imposing one culture over another, often seen as a form of non-military domination.
  • Critics accused the media conglomerate of cultural imperialism.

Adjective

1. of or relating to imperialism
   • imperialistic wars

Noun

1. a believer in imperialism