imperialismo

imperialism

noun eem-peh-ryah-LEES-moh Rare

Origin: From French impérialisme, from Latin imperium (empire).

Usage Note

Imperialismo refers to the policy or practice of extending a nation's power through colonisation, military force, or economic dominance. The related adjective/noun is imperialista. In Latin American political discourse the term is often used critically with reference to US foreign policy, where el imperialismo yanqui is a set phrase in left-leaning rhetoric.

Examples

"El libro critica el imperialismo del siglo XIX."

Natural Translation

The book criticises nineteenth-century imperialism.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Numbers 1-100: Count, Spell & Pronounce

Spanish numbers 1 to 100 are a system, not a list: three patterns build every number. Master the spelling, the accent rule, and how to say prices fast.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Diminutives: What -ito and -ita Really Mean

Spanish diminutives rarely mean 'little.' Learn what -ito and -ita really signal — warmth, softening, downplaying — plus the -cito and -ecito formation rules.

June 9, 2026 6 min read