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

Imperialistic newspapers like the London Morning Post accused South Africa's League of Nations Delegate of uttering a "calculated indiscretion."

From Time Magazine Archive

The end of "David Copperfield" is unreal not merely because it is an optimistic ending, but because it is an Imperialistic ending.

From What's Wrong with the World by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)

Santa Cruz is said by some to have cherished Imperialistic ambitions.

From South America by Koebel, W. H. (William Henry)

Revival of the Imperialistic Worship of Heaven by Yuan Shih-kai in 1914: Scene on the Altar of Heaven, with Sacrificial Officers clothed in costumes dating from 2,000 years ago.

From The Fight For The Republic in China by Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)

On Wednesday the principal Imperialistic newspaper in London appeared with a long leading article and three columns of descriptive exposition of "The New Evangel."

From The Message by Brock, H. M. (Henry Matthew)