monopolize

[muh-nop-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object), mo·nop·o·lized, mo·nop·o·liz·ing.

to acquire, have, or exercise a monopoly of.
to obtain exclusive possession of; keep entirely to oneself: Children monopolize one's time.

Also especially British, mo·nop·o·lise.

Origin of monopolize

First recorded in 1605–15; monopol(y) + -ize

Related formsmo·nop·o·li·za·tion, nounmo·nop·o·liz·er, nounan·ti·mo·nop·o·li·za·tion, adjectiveo·ver·mo·nop·o·lize, verb (used with object), o·ver·mo·nop·o·lized, o·ver·mo·nop·o·liz·ing.pre·mo·nop·o·lize, verb (used with object), pre·mo·nop·o·lized, pre·mo·nop·o·liz·ing.un·mo·nop·o·lized, adjectiveun·mo·nop·o·liz·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for monopolise

Historical Examples of monopolise

And, having reached remorse, he allowed that to monopolise him.
The Girl on the Boat
Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
They monopolise the telephone, and are in great request as compositors.
Through Finland in Carts
Ethel Brilliana Alec-Tweedie
In most large hill stations there are more houses than he is able to monopolise.
Birds of the Indian Hills
Douglas Dewar
She has no right to monopolise the beauties of both complexions.
The Fortunes of the Farrells
Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
How dare she imply that I want to monopolise her precious brother!
More about Pixie
Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

British Dictionary definitions for monopolise

monopolize

monopolise

verb (tr)

to have, control, or make use of fully, excluding others
to obtain, maintain, or exploit a monopoly of (a market, commodity, etc)

Derived Formsmonopolization or monopolisation, nounmonopolizer or monopoliser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for monopolise

monopolize

1610s; see monopoly + -ize. Figurative use from 1620s. Related: Monopolized; monopolizing; monopolization.