imperialism

/ɪmˈpɪriəˌlɪzəm/
noun
  1. A system in which a powerful country controls or influences other countries, often by taking over their land or government.
    • Some people argue that modern economic imperialism is just as harmful as the old colonial kind.
    • Many historians study the effects of European imperialism in Africa.
    • The country's history of imperialism led to long-lasting cultural changes in the regions it controlled.
  2. The extension of a nation's power or influence over other areas, especially in economic or cultural ways.
    • Cultural imperialism can be seen when one country's movies and music dominate global markets.
    • Some activists protest against the imperialism of fast-food chains in developing nations.
    • The company's expansion was criticized as a form of corporate imperialism.