dominion

noun

do·​min·​ion də-ˈmi-nyən How to pronounce dominion (audio)
1
: domain
2
law : supreme authority : sovereignty
having dominion over the natural world
3
dominions plural, Christianity : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy
4
often capitalized government : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as chief of state
5
law : absolute ownership

Did you know?

The ruler of a region has dominion over it, and the area itself may be called the ruler's dominion. In the days of the British Empire, Great Britain had dominion over many countries throughout the world. Though Canada has been quite independent of Great Britain since the 19th century, its formal title remains Dominion of Canada. The word has an old-fashioned sound today, and probably shows up in history books, historical novels, and fantasy video games more often than in discussions of modern nations.

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of dominion in a Sentence

The U.S. has dominion over the island. The countries fought for dominion of the territory. the dominions of the empire
Recent Examples on the Web Thanks to this intact historical context, the story emerging here promises to shed new light on the end of the Etruscan period, a turning point in history as dominion over the central Italian peninsula transitioned from the Etruscans to the Romans. Elizabeth Heath, Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2024 Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2024 Serving as a bridge between the human and spirit worlds, the Avatar uses their unique dominion over all four elements to maintain balance. EW.com, 29 Jan. 2024 Indeed, there is no legitimate interest in or public need for this information, other than to stalk, harass, and exert dominion and control. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2024 Unlike other British dominions, including Canada and New Zealand, Australia never forged a treaty with its original inhabitants. Maria Petrakis, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2023 The movie is helping to prove that rom-coms are still a viable theatrical experience, versus being the dominion of streaming. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2024 The rivals battle for control of contraband gasoline, local methamphetamine markets and dominion over drug-smuggling routes leading north to the United States. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2023 If an individual has a right to use, consume, lend, rent, sell, or even destroy a thing owned, the dominion of the state is seriously limited. Richard Morrison, National Review, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dominion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dominioun, from Middle French dominion, modification of Latin dominium, from dominus — see dominical

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dominion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dominion

Cite this Entry

“Dominion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dominion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dominion

noun
do·​min·​ion də-ˈmin-yən How to pronounce dominion (audio)
1
2
: supreme authority : sovereignty
3
often capitalized : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that accepts the British monarch as chief of state
Etymology

Middle English dominioun "control, rule," from early French dominion (same meaning), from Latin dominium "rule, ownership," from dominus "master, owner" — related to domain, dominate

Legal Definition

dominion

noun
do·​min·​ion də-ˈmin-yən How to pronounce dominion (audio)
1
a
: supreme authority : sovereignty
b
: a territory over which such authority is exercised
c
often capitalized : a self-governing nation (as Canada) of the British Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as the head of state
2
: the power (as authority) or right (as ownership) to use or dispose of property
specifically : absolute or exclusive use, control, ownership, or possession of property
the transferred property is placed beyond the donor's dominion and control W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
the bailee exercised dominion over the vehicle

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