ultra-imperialist
|ul-tra-im-per-i-al-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌltrə ɪmˈpɪriəlɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌltrə ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪst/
extreme imperialism
Etymology
'ultra-imperialist' is a modern English compound combining the prefix 'ultra-' (from Latin 'ultra', meaning 'beyond' or 'on the other side') and 'imperialist' (from 'imperial' + agentive suffix '-ist', where 'imperial' traces to Latin 'imperium' meaning 'command' or 'empire').
'ultra-' (from Latin 'ultra') was attached in English to 'imperialist' (itself formed from Late Latin/Old French elements 'imperialis'/'imperial') to form the compound 'ultra-imperialist' in the 19th–20th century political vocabulary, especially in discussions of radical or extreme imperial policies.
Initially formed to mean 'beyond ordinary imperialism' or 'extremely imperialist' (i.e., advocating more aggressive imperial policies); over time it has remained focused on denoting extreme or hardline supporters of imperialism and is often used polemically.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who advocates or practices extreme forms of imperialism; a supporter or proponent of ultra-imperialism (often used in political discourse to label particularly aggressive or expansionist imperialists).
Critics called him an ultra-imperialist because he supported aggressive territorial expansion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
describing policies, attitudes, or actions that are extremely imperialist or favoring aggressive imperial expansion; relating to ultra-imperialism.
The administration pursued ultra-imperialist policies that alarmed neighboring countries.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/11 15:20