What does monopolize mean?
To monopolize something is to gain exclusive control over it or to dominate attention so completely that others are effectively excluded. The word is especially common in discussions of markets, where a company that monopolizes an industry may control prices, restrict supply, or suppress competition. It can also describe a person who takes over a conversation or a performance, or someone whose activities occupy most of another person's time. Monopolize usually carries a negative or critical connotation: it suggests that access, participation, or opportunity has been unfairly limited. The related noun is monopoly, meaning exclusive control of a market or other resource. Although the British spelling is commonly 'monopolise,' the American spelling is 'monopolize.'
verbTo obtain exclusive control or possession of something, or to dominate its use, availability, or attention. It can also mean to take up an excessive amount of someone's time or attention.
- To obtain and hold exclusive control over a market, resource, activity, or field.
- To dominate a discussion, performance, or activity, leaving little room for others.
- To occupy a disproportionate amount of someone's time or attention.
"The company's acquisition allowed it to monopolize the market for wireless sensors."
"A single supplier monopolized the market and was able to set prices without competition."
"The guest monopolized the conversation, leaving the others with little opportunity to speak."
A monopolize doesn't merely dominate a market; it can also monopolize a conversation, a game of chess, or a friend's attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monopolize come from?
The word comes via French from Latin monopolium, a term for exclusive sale or exclusive control of commerce. Latin monopolium was borrowed from Greek monopoleos, meaning 'a sole seller,' from monos 'alone' and polein 'to sell.' The verb form developed from the same root and eventually acquired the broader sense of occupying or dominating something completely.
Related word forms
How monopolize is actually used
The word is commonly critical or disapproving because exclusive control is generally undesirable, although it may be used neutrally in economic and historical contexts. The British form is usually spelled 'monopolise'; American usage favors 'monopolize.'
Easily confused with monopolize
A monopoly is an exclusive position or form of market control, whereas monopolize is the verb describing the act of gaining or exercising that control.