monopolize
muh-NOP-uh-lyz
/məˈnɒpəlaɪz/
To obtain exclusive possession or control of a trade, market, or conversation.
Implies taking total command, often unfairly excluding others from participating or competing.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Greek 'monopolion' (exclusive sale), combining 'monos' (single) and 'polein' (to sell). Adding '-ize' formed the active verb meaning to seize exclusive control over resources, trade, or attention.
Word relationships
- dominate: Dominate means holding primary influence, while monopolize means achieving total exclusive control.
- corner: Cornering refers to capturing supply in finance; monopolize extends to abstract items like conversation or power.
- share: Share is dividing access equally among participants.
- distribute: Distribute spreads power or market share widely.
Commonly confused with
- monopolist: Monopolist is the person or entity; monopolize is the action of taking total control.
Word family
- monopoly (noun): Exclusive control of a commodity or service.
- monopolization (noun): The process of monopolizing.
Collocations
- monopolize attention
- monopolize discussion
- monopolize the market
- seek to monopolize
Idioms & expressions
- corner the market
- hog the spotlight
Example sentences
- "Regulatory agencies intervened to prevent the tech giant from monopolizing the digital advertising sector." Market competition
- "Try not to monopolize the conversation so everyone gets a chance to share their perspective." Social dynamics
Memory hook
MONO (one) + POLIZE (sell/control) = only one entity controlling everything. Hogging the whole board.
When not to use
Do not use when someone is merely participating actively alongside equal competitors.
Fun facts
- Aristotle recorded one of the earliest monopolies: a philosopher named Thales who bought up all olive presses before a harvest.
Related words
Explore more words
monopoly, dominate, usurp, possessive, antitrust, exclusivity
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