monopolize
muh-NOP-uh-lize
/məˈnɒpəlaɪz/
To obtain exclusive control over a market, trade, or resource; to dominate completely.
Describes the active process or action of seizing full dominance, whether in business markets or personal conversations.
The story behind the word. Formed in 17th-century English by taking the noun 'monopoly' and appending the verbal suffix '-ize' (derived from Greek '-izein'). It allowed writers to describe not just the static condition of having a monopoly, but the active process of pursuing total dominance.
Word relationships
- corner: Cornering usually implies buying up speculative supplies; monopolizing means establishing structural dominance over an entire sector.
- dominate: Dominate means being the most powerful, whereas monopolize implies excluding all other players entirely.
- share: To divide control or participation among multiple market participants.
- diversify: To spread business operations or ownership across multiple independent players.
Commonly confused with
- monopolistic: Monopolize is the action verb (to dominate); monopolistic is the describing adjective.
Word family
- monopoly (noun): Exclusive control of a commodity or service.
- monopolization (noun): The act or process of monopolizing a market.
- monopolist (noun): One who monopolizes.
Collocations
- monopolize the market
- monopolize attention
- monopolize conversation
- attempt to monopolize
Idioms & expressions
- hog the spotlight
- corner the market
Example sentences
- "Regulators alleged that the software empire attempted to monopolize web browser distribution by bundling software with its operating system." Tech industry analysis
- "During corporate meetings, executive directors should encourage discussion rather than monopolize the conversation." Social interaction metaphor
Memory hook
MONOPOLY + IZE = Turning a whole market into your own private Monopoly game board. Monopolize = Seize total control.
When not to use
Do not use if multiple entities share equal control; reserve for total dominance by one party.
Fun facts
- Under Section 2 of the US Sherman Act, simply being a monopoly isn't illegal; what is illegal is the active act to 'monopolize' through exclusionary tactics.
Related words
Explore more words
monopoly, dominate, usurp, possessive, antitrust, exclusivity
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.