What does imperialistic mean?
Imperialistic is an adjective describing policies, ambitions, or conduct associated with imperial power. It commonly refers to a state's attempt to extend its authority over other territories or peoples, often through conquest, colonization, economic control, or political influence. The term usually has a critical connotation, especially in historical discussions of empires and colonialism, although it can sometimes be used descriptively when a speaker is identifying or analyzing such tendencies. For example, a government may be accused of pursuing imperialistic ambitions in a neighbouring region. The closely related noun imperialism denotes the policy or practice of imperial expansion, while an imperialist may be a person who supports it. The adjective is related to imperial and empire but is more specifically evaluative: imperial can simply mean associated with an empire, whereas imperialistic highlights the expansionist or dominating character of imperial power.
adjectiveCharacterized by or supporting imperial rule, territorial expansion, or the domination of other peoples or territories. The term is now chiefly used in historical, political, and cultural contexts and is generally negative.
- Characterized by imperialism, especially a state's territorial expansion, political domination, or exploitation of other countries and peoples.
"The speech condemned the country's imperialistic ambitions in the region."
"The museum discusses the imperialistic use of art in the colonial period."
"She criticized the policy as expansionist and imperialistic rather than simply protective."
Imperialistic turns the idea of empire into a warning: it names the drive to extend power and control beyond a state's own borders.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperialistic come from?
Imperialistic was formed in the 19th century from imperial plus the suffix -istic. Imperial ultimately comes through Old French from Latin imperialis, a derivative of imperium, meaning command, rule, or an empire. The same Latin root also produced words such as empire and emperor.
Related word forms
How imperialistic is actually used
The word generally carries a strongly negative historical or political connotation. In older writing, it may describe allegiance to an emperor or imperial system, but its dominant modern use refers critically to domination and expansion.
Easily confused with imperialistic
Imperial describes something associated with an empire or emperor, while imperialistic specifically characterizes domination, expansion, or policies associated with imperial power.
Imperialistic is normally an adjective describing policies or ambitions, whereas imperialist can describe such policies or, as a noun, a person who supports imperial rule.