What does imperialize mean?
Imperialize means to make something imperial. It is used when authority, institutions, titles, architecture, or political arrangements are given the character or power associated with an empire or imperial ruler. The verb is rare and occurs most often in formal, historical, or political writing, where it may describe the deliberate extension of supreme authority over an institution or territory. For example, a ruler might imperialize a court by displaying imperial titles and symbols, or a government might be accused of imperializing an organization that should remain independent. Although the word can sound like a political metaphor, its basic meaning is literal: it describes the act of making something imperial. The related noun "imperialization" and the more familiar "imperialism" are generally encountered more often, but imperialize is useful when the focus is on a specific act or process rather than the broader ideology or policy.
verbTo make something imperial, especially by giving it the character, authority, or status of an empire or imperial ruler.
- To make something imperial in character, authority, or status.
"The elaborate architecture was intended to imperialize the entrance to the palace."
"The court adopted imperial titles in order to imperialize its authority."
"Critics argued that the new administration was imperializing a public institution that was supposed to remain independent."
At its heart, imperialize is the suffix -ize at its most literal: to make something imperial.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperialize come from?
Imperialize was formed in English from "imperial" and the suffix "-ize," meaning "to make" or "to render as." "Imperial" comes through Old French from Latin imperialis, which was derived from imperium, meaning command or rule. The same Latin root also underlies words such as "imperious" and "imperium," as well as the political family formed around "imperialism" and "imperialist."
Related word forms
How imperialize is actually used
This is a rare, formal or literary verb, found chiefly in political and historical contexts. It is usually transitive and is more precise than the broad verb "make" when referring specifically to the conferral of imperial authority or character.