hegemony

American  

[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] / hɪˈdʒɛm ə ni, ˈhɛdʒ əˌmoʊ ni /

noun

hegemonies plural

1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.

2. leadership; predominance.

3. (especially among smaller nations) aggression or expansionism by large nations in an effort to achieve world domination.

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hegemony British  

/ hɪˈɡɛmənɪ, ˌhɛɡəˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. ascendancy or domination of one power or state within a league, confederation, etc, or of one social class over others

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antihegemony
  noun
• hegemonic
  adjective
• hegemonical
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• hegemonies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hegemony

First recorded in 1560–70; from Greek hēgemonía “leadership, supremacy,” equivalent to hēgemon- (stem of hēgemṓn ) “leader” + -ia -y ³

Explanation

Hegemony is political or cultural dominance or authority over others. The hegemony of the popular kids over the other students means that they determine what is and is not cool. Hegemony comes from the Greek hegemon "leader." Wealthy lender nations hoping to determine political outcomes and trade decisions have established hegemony over the debtor nations they lend to. As well as the dominance of one group or nation over others, hegemony is also the term for the leading group or nation itself. During the American Revolution, colonists fought to throw off the British hegemony.

Example Sentences

That makes "Hegemony" more than another send-up of James Cameron's "Aliens" – although it recreates that classic's claustrophobic agita very well.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

Hegemony over workers has been aided by cheap food, and the promise of a chicken in every pot.

From The Guardian • May 8, 2018

Hegemony aside, this is a useful lens through which to view YouTube videos.

From Slate • Nov. 30, 2012

Hegemony over the car adapter that provided precious power resembled a scene from “Lord of the Flies,” according to Gail Horwood of Scarsdale, N.Y., an executive at a consumer health care company.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2012

"Agriculture and Iroquois Hegemony in New York, 1610-1779."

From Agricultural Implements and Machines in the Collection of the National Museum of History and Technology Smithsonian Studies in History and Technology, No. 17 by Schlebecker, John T.