imperialistic

American  

[im-peer-ee-uhl-ist-ik] / ɪmˌpɪər i əlˈɪst ɪk /

adjective

1. seeking to extend the rule of an empire over foreign countries or to acquire and hold colonies.

2. promoting the interests of an empire or of a colonial or postcolonial power over the interests of its dependent states or populations.

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Explanation

A government is imperialistic if it places the importance of its own strength and size over the rights and happiness of the world's people. Imperialistic countries are those that are so determined to build their political and economic power that their governments take advantage of less powerful countries, as well as their own citizens. Some examples of imperialistic actions include invading a country and enslaving its native inhabitants, or making use of extremely cheap foreign labor in order to become wealthy. The root of imperialistic is the Latin word for "emperor," imperialis.

Example Sentences

Demonstrators expressed outrage at what many residents described as threatening and imperialistic rhetoric.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

“It was one of the most important times in modern history, a time period where young white, Black, Latino, Asian people were rising up and challenging this imperialistic nature of America,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

Francis “certainly didn’t want to exalt imperialistic logic or government personalities, who were cited to indicate certain historic periods of reference,” Bruni said in a statement.

From Washington Times • Aug. 29, 2023

The American Museum of Natural History became Exhibit A for such an institution — imperialistic and voracious, hunting down exotic animals and cultural artifacts in the name of science and scholarship.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

The strategy that Jefferson and Madison adopted was elegantly effective and thoroughly imperialistic.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis