dominate

[ dom-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dom·i·nat·ed, dom·i·nat·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, dom·i·nat·ed, dom·i·nat·ing.

1. to rule; exercise control; predominate.
2. to occupy a commanding or elevated position.

dominate

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• ˈdominative, adjective
• ˈdomiˌnating, adjective
• ˈdomiˌnator, noun
• ˈdomiˌnatingly, adverb

Other Words From

• domi·nating·ly adverb
• domi·nator noun
• non·domi·nating adjective
• over·domi·nate verb (used with object) overdominated overdominating
• re·domi·nate verb redominated redominating
• un·domi·nated adjective
• well-domi·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominate¹

C17: from Latin dominārī to be lord over, from dominus lord

Example Sentences

The stars of the game changed by the moment — Anthony Davis dominating the paint early.

From Los Angeles Times

The film dominated the awards with 14 nominations.

From BBC

"With only low quality evidence, people's philosophies, their attitudes or their politics, will continue to dominate the discussion," he argues.

From BBC

But under his leadership, HTS has crushed and marginalised other militant factions, both jihadists and rebel ones, in its effort to consolidate its power and dominate the scene.

From BBC

That was later abandoned as extremists began dominating the battlefield and Russia entered the war on Assad's behalf.

From BBC

Related Words

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