imperium

im·pe·ri·um  (m-pîr-m)

n. pl. im·pe·ri·a (-pîr-)

1. Absolute rule; supreme power.

2. A sphere of power or dominion; an empire.

3. Law The right or power of a state to enforce the law.

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[Latin; see empire.]

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imperium [ɪmˈpɪərɪəm]

n pl -ria [-rɪə]

1. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Rome) the supreme power, held esp by consuls and emperors, to command and administer in military, judicial, and civil affairs

2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) the right to command; supreme power

3. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a less common word for empire

[from Latin: command, empire, from imperāre to command; see emperor]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	imperium - the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised empire demesne, domain, land - territory over which rule or control is exercised; "his domain extended into Europe"; "he made it the law of the land"
	2.	imperium - supreme authority; absolute dominion authority, potency, authorization, authorisation, say-so, dominance - the power or right to give orders or make decisions; "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state"