dominion

[duh-min-yuhn]

noun

1. the power or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority.

2. rule; control; domination.

3. a territory, usually of considerable size, in which a single rulership holds sway.

4. lands or domains subject to sovereignty or control.

5. Government.,  a territory constituting a self-governing commonwealth and being one of a number of such territories united in a community of nations, or empire: formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire, as Canada and New Zealand.

6. Theology.,  dominions, domination.

dominion

/ dəˈmɪnjən /

noun

1. rule; authority

2. the land governed by one ruler or government

3. sphere of influence; area of control

4. a name formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire

5. New Zealand

6. law a less common word for dominium

Other Word Forms

• interdominion adjective
• self-dominion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominion¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin dominiōn- (unrecorded), stem of dominiō (unrecorded) “lordship,” from Latin domin(ium) dominium + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominion¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin dominium ownership, from dominus master

Example Sentences

As new territories were brought into the empire by alliance or conquest, they were added to the network, facilitating communication, public works and military movements, and providing a potent reminder of Inca dominion.

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The change was a dramatic departure from the archetype of the all-powerful football coach, whose dominion extended from the playbook to high-school recruiting.

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The mandate calls on Christians to gain influence, or “take dominion,” over seven key areas of culture: religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts.

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It also showed that "there was no point in having a dominion status under the empire when the British cannot be expected to deal with their subjects fairly", adds Pushpa.

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AB 1506 defines “possession” of a weapon as being “under the civilian’s dominion and control at the time of the shooting.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times