american empire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Political Discourse, Journalism
Quick answer
What does “american empire” mean?
The concept of the United States as a hegemonic global power, extending its political, economic, military, and cultural influence beyond its borders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The concept of the United States as a hegemonic global power, extending its political, economic, military, and cultural influence beyond its borders.
Used both descriptively and critically to characterize the United States' expansive international power, often through military bases, economic dominance, and cultural exports. It can refer to a historical period of territorial expansion, as well as the contemporary network of global influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and debated in both varieties, but it is more frequently a topic of critical discourse in British and international media regarding US foreign policy. In US discourse, it is more polarizing and politically charged.
Connotations
In UK/International English, it often carries a critical or analytical tone. In American English, it is highly contentious, used by critics on the left and right to challenge foreign policy.
Frequency
Higher frequency in academic/political texts than in everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “american empire” in a Sentence
The VERB the American empire.The American empire ADJ.The ADJ of the American empire.NP within the American empire.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american empire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some argue the nation has begun to empire-build in a uniquely American way.
- They feared the country would attempt to empire across the continent.
American English
- Historians debate whether the US set out to empire after World War II.
- Policies that effectively empire are often controversial.
adverb
British English
- The nation expanded almost empire-wards throughout the century.
- They acted empire-like in their economic dealings.
American English
- The country began to behave empire-style after the war.
- The corporation operated empire-wide from its New York headquarters.
adjective
British English
- American-empire ambitions were clear in the 19th-century doctrine.
- The debate centred on American-empire logic.
American English
- The senator denounced what he called an American-empire foreign policy.
- Critics point to an American-empire mentality in the capital.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in geopolitical risk analysis (e.g., 'shifts affecting the American economic empire').
Academic
Common in history, political science, and international relations as a critical or analytical term.
Everyday
Uncommon; mostly in political discussions or media commentary.
Technical
Used in geopolitical analysis and critical theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american empire”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american empire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american empire”
- Using it as a formal title (e.g., 'The American Empire invaded...'). It is an analytical/descriptive term, not an official name.
- Confusing it with 'American Dream'.
- Capitalising both words when not starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not an official term. It is primarily an academic, journalistic, or critical term used by commentators and scholars.
Not typically in a formal colonial sense. It more often refers to informal influence, military presence, and economic dominance, though US history includes periods of territorial acquisition (e.g., Philippines, Puerto Rico).
It can be controversial. Many Americans view it as a critical or inaccurate label for US global engagement, while others use it as a neutral descriptor of power. Context and speaker intent are key.
Discussions of US 'empire' date back to the 19th century with westward expansion and the Spanish-American War (1898), which led to the acquisition of overseas territories.
The concept of the United States as a hegemonic global power, extending its political, economic, military, and cultural influence beyond its borders.
American empire is usually academic, political discourse, journalism in register.
American empire: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɛrɪkən ˈɛmpaɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛrəkən ˈɛmpaɪər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The empire on which the sun never sets (historical adaptation)”
- “An empire in all but name”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Roman Empire, but with Hollywood, McDonald's, and a global network of military bases.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPIRE IS A STRUCTURE (building, expanding, crumbling); EMPIRE IS A LIVING ORGANISM (rising, declining, thriving).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'American empire' LEAST likely to be used neutrally?