imperialism

/ɪmˌpɪriəˈlɪzəm/

/ɪmˈpɪriəlɪzəm/

Other forms: imperialisms

Imperialism is a type of government that seeks to increase its size, either by forcing (through war) or influencing (through politics) other countries to submit to their rule.

The sun never sets on the Roman Empire, or so went the saying when Rome controlled the majority of Europe 2000 years ago. Empire has the same Latin root as imperialism, and the Roman Empire grew to be so vast because they invaded, conquered, and developed everywhere they could. Until Rome fell, that is. Imperialism isn’t always violent, but it’s usually used in a negative sense, so watch for secret agents if you’re talking about your country’s policy of imperialism.

Definitions of imperialism

1. noun

   a policy of extending your rule over foreign countries
   types:

   manifest destiny

   a policy of imperialism rationalized as inevitable (as if granted by God)

   type of:

   foreign policy

   a policy governing international relations
2. noun

   a political orientation that advocates imperial interests
   type of:

   ideology, political orientation, political theory

   an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
3. noun

   any instance of aggressive extension of authority
   type of:

   control

   the activity of managing or exerting control over something