empire
UK: ˈempaɪə | US: ˈempaɪər
n. a group of nations or peoples ruled by a single sovereign authority
n. a large commercial organization controlled by one person or group
n. supreme political power or dominion
The word "empire" originates from the Latin imperium, meaning "command" or "authority." The prefix em- (from in-) implies "within" or "under," while -pire derives from parare (to prepare/order). Over time, imperium evolved into Old French empire, reflecting centralized rule. The term entered English in the 14th century, retaining its core idea of dominion—whether political (e.g., Roman Empire) or metaphorical (e.g., business empire).
The Roman Empire once dominated much of Europe.
She built a fashion empire from a single boutique.
The emperor’s empire stretched across three continents.
Critics accused the corporation of behaving like a ruthless empire.
The fall of the Aztec Empire followed Spanish colonization.