imperialism
/ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpɪriəlɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm/ (ame, mw)
imperialism — noun
1. a system in which a strong nation extends its authority over foreign lands and p
a system in which a strong nation extends its authority over foreign lands and peoples, typically by military force, and governs them as colonies or dependent territories.
The museum exhibition examined the history of British imperialism in South Asia.
'British imperialism in [region]' — geographical specification pattern
Lucia's history class discussed how European imperialism redrew the map of Africa.
Many nations that suffered under imperialism later won their independence in the twentieth century.
Dan wrote a report comparing the imperialism of several nineteenth-century European powers.
The effects of imperialism remain visible in the languages and borders of former colonies.
- colonialism
more specific — refers to the actual settlement and direct political control of a territory by foreign settlers
- expansionism
broader — any policy of territorial or economic growth, not necessarily through direct rule
- dominion
formal — stresses authority and control over a territory, less common in modern use
- self-determination
the right of a people to choose their own government, directly opposed to imperial control
- decolonization
the process of giving up colonial rule, the opposite of establishing imperialism
文法句型
[nationality] + imperialism
imperialism + of + [region]
under + imperialism
用法筆記
Most commonly used when discussing European colonial history from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Frequently paired with a nationality adjective (British imperialism, French imperialism, Roman imperialism) to identify the ruling power.
常見錯誤
2. a situation in which a powerful country exercises strong influence over other na
a situation in which a powerful country exercises strong influence over other nations through economic pressure, political leverage, or cultural dominance, without necessarily ruling them directly.
Critics accuse the global fast-food chain of cultural imperialism for pushing its products everywhere.
'cultural imperialism' — common compound noun pattern
Samir argued that modern imperialism often works through trade agreements rather than military force.
'works through + noun' — mechanism collocation
The documentary showed how digital platforms can become tools of economic imperialism.
Some writers describe the country's aggressive lending practices as a form of financial imperialism.
Hana's professor explained the difference between old colonialism and modern economic imperialism.
- hegemony
formal — describes leadership or dominance of one state over others, especially through cultural or economic means
- domination
broader and less specific — can refer to any kind of control, not necessarily between countries
- influence
weaker and neutral — lacks the negative and coercive connotation of imperialism
- autonomy
the condition of being self-governing, the opposite of being under another country's influence
- independence
freedom from outside control, the goal of nations resisting economic or political imperialism
文法句型
[domain] + imperialism
a form of + [adjective] + imperialism
imperialism + through + [means]
用法筆記
Often paired with an adjective naming the domain of influence (cultural, economic, financial, digital). Describes indirect control rather than formal territorial rule — this is the key distinction from Sense 1.