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

“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

“Surely not to glorify imperialistic logic and government personalities.”

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2023

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

As if the last 13 years hadn't happened, we are once again fed the plot of an evil imperialistic force fighting against a nature-loving indigenous population.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2022

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

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