dominate

[dom-uh-neyt]

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.

verb (used without object)

dominated, dominating 

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)

Other Word Forms

• dominatingly adverb
• dominator noun
• nondominating adjective
• overdominate verb (used with object)
• redominate verb
• undominated adjective
• well-dominated adjective
• dominative adjective
• dominating 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 first days after the shutdown have been dominated by the Jeffrey Epstein emails.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hussain's resignation is just the latest split in the fledgling party which has been dominated by rows since it was launched in July over everything from its leadership, finances and even its name.

Read more on BBC

Over time, he believes this insight could guide companies toward more efficient methods of producing propylene and other industrial materials while reducing their dependence on trial-and-error approaches that have dominated the field for decades.

Read more on Science Daily

But Aqil Shah, author and professor at Georgetown University, said the conflict "was dominated by air combat, not land-based operations" which are typically associated with field marshal honours.

Read more on Barron's

A neighborhood WhatsApp chat that used to be filled with observations about coyotes, the occasional bear sighting and Girl Scout cookie sale announcements is dominated by the efforts to return.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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