dominate

American  

[dom-uh-neyt] / ˈdɒm əˌneɪt /

verb (used with object)

dominated, dominating

1. to rule over; govern; control.

2. to tower above; overlook; overshadow.

   A tall pine dominated the landscape.

3. to predominate, permeate, or characterize.

4. Mathematics. (of a series, vector, etc.) to have terms or components greater in absolute value than the corresponding terms or components of a given series, vector, etc.

5. Linguistics. (of a node in a tree diagram) to be connected with (a subordinate node) either directly by a single downward branch or indirectly by a sequence of downward branches.

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verb (used without object)

dominated, dominating

1. to rule; exercise control; predominate.

2. to occupy a commanding or elevated position.

dominate British  

/ ˈdɒmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to control, rule, or govern (someone or something)

2. to tower above (surroundings, etc); overlook

3. (tr; usually passive) to predominate in (something or someone)

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Other Word Forms

• dominating adjective
• dominatingly adverb
• dominative adjective
• dominator noun
• nondominating adjective
• overdominate verb (used with object)
• redominate verb
• undominated adjective
• well-dominated adjective

Etymology

Origin of dominate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dominātus, past participle of dominārī “to master, control,” from domin(us) “lord, master” + -ārī, infinitive verb suffix

Explanation

If your basketball team is undefeated, you could say that it was able to dominate the competition. To dominate means to be in control or have the power to defeat. Dominate is related to the word domain — which means home. While these words may not seem all that similar, when you are the master of a home or thing, you dominate it. If you get angry, it is wise to not let your feelings dominate you or your actions. Dominate can also mean to be most prominent. If in the woods around your house, oak trees are the most common, you could say that "oak trees dominate the forest."

Example Sentences

“It’s the idea that whoever dominates memory supply can dominate AI,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

But knowing Williamson will be at Arsenal next season is a significant boost to Renee Slegers' side, who are building a squad they hope can dominate for years to come.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The established giants like Meta, Google and Microsoft still dominate spending, but AI start-ups like OpenAI and Anthropic have rapidly built out their Washington presence, hiring elite firms and expanding in-house policy shops.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Stress increases cortisol levels, which in turn drives cravings for quick, energy-dense foods — carbs, sugar, the kinds of things that dominate elementary school diets.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

He let the warmth dominate him for a moment.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• command
• control
• dictate
• influence
• lead
• manage
• monopolize
• overshadow
• prevail
• run