hegemony

[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee]

noun

plural

hegemonies 

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.

hegemony

/ hɪˈɡɛmənɪ, ˌhɛɡəˈmɒnɪk /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• hegemonic adjective
• hegemonical adjective
• antihegemony noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hegemony¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hegemony¹

C16: from Greek hēgemonia authority, from hēgemōn leader, from hēgeisthai to lead

Example Sentences

The same outlook led him to conclude that America didn’t have to live with the terror-generating Iran-Iraq double hegemony in the Middle East.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

U.S. hegemony and a neoliberal faith in unfettered markets are noxious to be sure, but don’t be fooled by autocrats championing sovereignty.

Read more on Salon

For 40 years the Old Firm hegemony has held.

Read more on BBC

The U.S. and Australia this week announced plans to invest $3 billion in critical minerals aimed at eroding China’s hegemony.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"In recent years, the United States has aggressively pursued cyber hegemony, repeatedly trampling on international cyberspace rules," the ministry said in its statement.

Read more on Barron's