Sovereignty & Control Vocabulary

supreme power or authority; self-governance

“Nations jealously guard their sovereignty.”

Origin: Old French soveraineté, from Latin superanus `chief`, from super `above`

a position of control over a dependent state's foreign affairs

“The empire exercised suzerainty over its vassal kingdoms.”

Origin: French suzeraineté, from suzerain `feudal overlord`, from sus `up` (Latin sursum)

sovereignty or control over a territory

“The king's dominion extended across three continents.”

Origin: Latin dominium `ownership`, from dominus `lord, master`

the official power to make legal decisions

“This matter falls outside our jurisdiction.”

Origin: Latin iurisdictio, from ius `law` + dicere `to say`

the right or condition of self-government

“The region fought for greater autonomy from the central government.”

Origin: Greek autonomia, from autos `self` + nomos `law`

ruling or dominant in a political or social context

“The hegemonic power set the rules for international trade.”

Origin: Greek hēgemonia `leadership`, from hēgemōn `leader`

an area over which a person has complete control

“Each department head treated their team as a personal fiefdom.”

Origin: Medieval Latin feodum `feudal estate`, from Frankish fehu `cattle, property`

a kingdom; a field or domain of activity

“The discovery opened new realms of scientific inquiry.”

Origin: Old French reaume, from Latin regimen `rule`, from regere `to rule`

the scope of influence or concern

“That decision is outside my purview.”

Origin: Anglo-Norman purveu `foreseen, provided`, from Latin providere `to foresee`

the protection, backing, or support of a powerful person or organization

“The project proceeded under the aegis of the United Nations.”

Origin: Greek aigis `shield of Zeus`, possibly from aix `goat` (shield made of goatskin)