dominate

[dom-uh-neyt]

verb (used with object)

dominated, dominating 

1. to rule over; govern; control.

2. to tower above; overlook; overshadow.

   A tall pine dominated the landscape.

3. to predominate, permeate, or characterize.

4. Mathematics.,  (of a series, vector, etc.) to have terms or components greater in absolute value than the corresponding terms or components of a given series, vector, etc.

5. Linguistics.,  (of a node in a tree diagram) to be connected with (a subordinate node) either directly by a single downward branch or indirectly by a sequence of downward branches.

verb (used without object)

dominated, dominating 

1. to rule; exercise control; predominate.

2. to occupy a commanding or elevated position.

dominate

/ ˈdɒmɪˌneɪt /

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)

Other Word Forms

• dominative adjective
• dominating adjective
• dominator noun
• dominatingly adverb
• nondominating adjective
• overdominate verb (used with object)
• redominate verb
• undominated adjective
• well-dominated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dominātus, past participle of dominārī “to master, control,” from domin(us) “lord, master” + -ārī, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dominate¹

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

Example Sentences

After dominating the domestic news agenda for much of the summer with pronouncements on illegal immigration, Reform's 2025 conference has undoubtedly been overshadowed by the Rayner reshuffle drama.

From BBC

Their supposed strength of a rotation hasn’t been able to dominate games.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, one major US seafood trade association has called for a tariff exemption, highlighting that the US seafood market is dominated by imports and American waters are already overfished.

From BBC

And, globally, keeping the cost of renewable energy low is important for any firm hoping to electrify industries previously dominated by fossil fuels.

From BBC

They’ve struck a more friendly tone with the president during his second term as they push for a more hands-off approach to regulation while competing to dominate the artificial intelligence race.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• command 
• control 
• dictate 
• influence 
• lead 
• manage 
• monopolize 
• overshadow 
• prevail 
• run