dominion
gb/dəmˈɪnjən/ us/dəmˈɪnjən/
B2
English
~ 4700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
control or authority over something
The power to rule or control something or someone.
Usage pattern:
to have dominion over [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'dominion' with 'domain'. 'Domain' usually refers to an area or field, while 'dominion' refers to power or control.
Synonyms
authority (Authority is a broader term for the right or power to give orders or make decisions, not limited to ruling.)
|
control (Control emphasizes direct influence or command, which may be temporary or limited.)
Antonyms
subordination (Being under the authority or control of someone else.)
|
submission (The act of yielding to another's authority.)
Collocations
have dominion over
|exercise dominion
|lose dominion
|assert dominion
Themes
politics
|law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The king claimed dominion over all the lands to the west.
- They fought to maintain their dominion over the territory.
- The company has dominion over several smaller firms in the region.
- Religious leaders once held great dominion over everyday life.
- Colonial powers extended their dominion far beyond their own borders.
Learner examples
- The king had dominion over the land.
- The country lost its dominion after the war.
- He used his dominion to make new laws.
- The leader wanted dominion over the island.
Noun
B2
entity
2
territory governed by a ruler or state
A land that is ruled by a leader or government.
Usage pattern:
[a/the] dominion of [ruler/state]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'domain', which can mean an area of interest rather than a political territory.
Synonyms
territory (A general term for a defined area of land under jurisdiction.)
|
possession (Often used for overseas lands controlled by a country.)
Antonyms
independent state (A country that governs itself without outside control.)
Collocations
British Dominion
|self-governing dominion
|colonial dominion
Themes
geography
|politics
|law
|space
Examples
- Canada was once a dominion within the British Empire.
- The islands became a dominion of the kingdom in 1902.
- Several dominions later gained full independence.
Learner examples
- Canada was a dominion of Britain.
- The island is a dominion of the country.
- Many dominions became free nations.
Grammar
Dictionary form
dominion
IPA
GB/dəmˈɪnjən/
US/dəmˈɪnjən/
Syllables & stress
domin - ion (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: dominion
- Plural: dominions
Word family
Forms
dominions
noun
Core family
Related words
dominator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
subordinate
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
domineering
adjective
Expressions
exercise dominion
1/ˈɛksɚsˌaɪz dəmˈɪnjən/
fixed phrase
formal
to use one's authority to govern or control
To use your power to control something or someone.
Examples
- The government exercised dominion over the disputed region.
- They exercised dominion through strict laws and policies.
have dominion over
1/hˈæv dəmˈɪnjən ˈoʊvɚ/
fixed phrase
to hold ruling power over something
To have the power to rule or control something or someone.
Examples
- The emperor claimed to have dominion over all the lands.
- Humans have dominion over many species on Earth.