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 colorful space, dominated by a giant rooster mural and pulsing with salsa, draws inspiration from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

From Salon

So when it came to the foursomes, where the home team traditionally dominates, Europe won 6-2.

From BBC

Their talks centered on the value of short at-bats, the importance of “dominating the inside part of the plate,” and the significance of executing competitive misses on throws around the edge of the zone.

From Los Angeles Times

The opening days of the conference have been dominated by debate about how to beat Reform, which continues to lead Labour in the opinion polls.

From BBC

"We can dominate the world for a long time, but the world's going to get better because people are starting to recognise how to resource their programmes."

From BBC

Related Words

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