See Also: imperialism(dictionary)
imperialism(encyclopedia)
imperialism(dictionary)

imperialism (iou)



imperialism noun. M19.
[from IMPERIAL + -ISM.]
An imperial system of government; the (esp. despotic or arbitrary) rule of an emperor. M19.
fig.: D. H. Lawrence Let us have done with the ugly imperialism of any absolute.
The principle or spirit of empire; spec. (Hist.) the extending of the British Empire where trade required the protection given by imperial rule, the union of different parts of the British Empire for purposes of warlike defence, internal commerce, etc. L19.
(The belief in the desirability of) the acquisition of colonies and dependencies, or the extension of a country's influence through trade, diplomacy, etc. Usu. derog. E20.
N. Gordimer South Africa is an advanced capitalist state in the last stage of imperialism.