imperialist
UK: ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪst | US: ɪmˈpɪriəlɪst
n. 1. A person who supports or practices imperialism (the policy of extending a country's power through colonization or military dominance).
n. 2. An advocate of imperial rule or authority.
adj. Relating to or characteristic of imperialism or imperialists.
The word "imperialist" combines "imperial," derived from Latin imperium (meaning "command" or "empire"), with the suffix "-ist," indicating a person who advocates or practices something. The term emerged in the 19th century during the peak of European colonial expansion, reflecting the ideology of extending political and economic control over other nations. The morpheme "imperial" preserves its Latin root's association with authority, while "-ist" standardizes the noun form, creating a clear label for proponents of empire-building.
The imperialist policies of the 19th century led to widespread colonization.
Critics accused the leader of being an imperialist for seeking to dominate neighboring regions.
The debate focused on whether the nation's actions were defensive or imperialist.
She wrote a book exposing the economic motives behind imperialist ventures.
The imperialist era left a legacy of cultural and political tensions.