Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characterized by imperialism: Describes policies, actions, or attitudes that seek to extend a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means of domination over other nations or peoples.
   • Advocating or practicing imperial rule: Pertaining to the belief in or support for an empire or a system of imperial governance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The 19th century was marked by intense imperialistic competition among European powers.
  • Critics accused the nation's foreign policy of being overtly imperialistic.
  • His writings analyze the economic motives behind imperialistic expansion.

Advanced Usage

• "imperialistic ambitions/designs": Refers to a nation's or leader's desires or plans to expand its empire or sphere of influence.
  • The general was known for his imperialistic ambitions in the region.
• "imperialistic ideology": Denotes the set of beliefs that justify or promote imperialism.
  • The propaganda was steeped in an imperialistic ideology of racial superiority.

Variants and Related Words

• Imperialism (n): The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas.
  • The age of imperialism reshaped global maps.
• Imperialist (n): A person who supports or practices imperialism.
  • He was a vocal imperialist who defended colonial rule.
• Imperially (adv): In a manner relating to an empire or emperor. (Note: This is related to "imperial," not directly to "imperialistic," but shares a root.)
  • The palace was decorated imperially.

Synonyms

• Colonialist: Relating to the practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
• Expansionist: Favoring or practicing expansion, especially of a nation's territory or influence.
• Hegemonic: Ruling or dominant in a political or social context.

Antonyms

• Anti-imperialistic: Opposed to imperialism.
• Isolationist: Opposing involvement in international political and economic relations.
• Egalitarian: Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Adjective

1. of or relating to imperialism
   • imperialistic wars