First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
dominion
noun do·min·ion \də-ˈmi-nyən\
: the power to rule : control of a country, region, etc.
: the land that a ruler or government controls
Dominion : a country that was part of the British Empire but had its own government
Full Definition of DOMINION
1
: domain
2
: supreme authority : sovereignty
3
plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
4
often capitalized : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as chief of state
5
: absolute ownership
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Origin of DOMINION
Middle English dominioun, from Middle French dominion, modification of Latin dominium, from dominus
Related to DOMINION
- Synonyms
- ascendance (also ascendence), ascendancy (also ascendency), dominance, domination, supremacy, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, reign, sovereignty (also sovranty)
- Antonyms
- impotence, impotency, powerlessness
Synonym Discussion of DOMINION
power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence <the power to mold public opinion>. authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits <granted the authority to manage her estate>. jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over parks>. control stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence <the empire extended its sway over the region>. dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. force implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. might implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. force implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. might implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
Rhymes with DOMINION
DOMINION Defined for Kids
dominion
noun do·min·ion \də-ˈmin-yən\
Definition of DOMINION for Kids
1
: ruling or controlling power : sovereignty <… the whole country was my own property, so that I had an undoubted right of dominion. — Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe>
2
: a territory under the control of a ruler : domain
Word Root of DOMINION
The Latin word dominus, meaning “master,” gives us the root domin. Words from the Latin dominus have something to do with being another's master. To dominate is to have power and control over as if being someone's master. A domain, or land under the control of a government, is a land with a particular master or ruler. Dominion is controlling power, similar to the power of a master over others.
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