English Dictionary

Definition of “dominate

dominate (ˈdɒmɪˌneɪtPronunciation for dominate

Definitions

verb

  1. to control, rule, or govern (someone or something)
  2. to tower above (surroundings, etc); overlook
  3. (tr; usually passive) to predominate in (something or someone)

Alternative Forms

ˈdomiˌnating adjective ˈdomiˌnatingly adverb ˈdominative adjective ˈdomiˌnator noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin dominārī  to be lord over, from dominus lord

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= prevail over eclipse, overshadow, cloud, overrule, detract from outshine,
= control, lead, rule, direct, master, govern, monopolize, tyrannize, have the upper hand over lead by the nose, overbear, have the whip hand over domineer, keep under your thumb
= prevail (in) predominate (in) be influential (in) have the upper hand (in) rule the roost (in) be pre-eminent (in)
= tower above, overlook, survey, dwarf, stand over, loom over stand head and shoulders above bestride,

Usage examples

  • Elaine left herself to him, not that he required her passivity, nor that he needed to dominate her.
    McCorquodale, Robin, Dansville (1986)
  • Such weeds could quickly dominate fields being treated with the herbicide.
    New Scientist (1998)
  • UK's cancer care in different league Health is set to dominate the election, with cancer services a key test of performance.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • From other parts of the island, seascapes and the mountains of Arran dominate.
    Glasgow Herald (2002)
  • Indeed, the famous names of the French Enlightenment seem to dominate almost every discussion of culture in the eighteenth century.
    Arthur Herman, THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT: The Scots' Invention of the Modern World (2002)

Browse dictionary