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monopolize

[muh-nop-uh-lahyz]
verb (used with object), mo·nop·o·lized, mo·nop·o·liz·ing.
  1. to acquire, have, or exercise a monopoly of.
  2. to obtain exclusive possession of; keep entirely to oneself: Children monopolize one's time.
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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.

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

v.

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper