Monopolize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /məˈnɒpəlʌɪz/

Definitions

1. To obtain exclusive control over the supply or trade of a product or service, preventing others from participating
2. To dominate a particular market or resource so that no other competitors can operate effectively
3. To secure sole possession or control of an industry or commodity, excluding others from involvement

Etymology: "Monopolize" is built from "monopoly" and the suffix "-ize", and the suffix is the more interesting half. The "-ize" ending traces back through Ancient Greek "-izein", which formed verbs meaning "to do, make, or treat in a certain way." It passed into Late Latin as "-izare", then into Middle French as "-iser", and reached English in its Middle English form "-isen" before settling as "-ize." Its own history is a long chain of borrowing, and it has been attached to hundreds of English words since. The verb itself arrives by way of its base word, "monopoly." Once "monopoly" was established in English to name exclusive control of trade, English speakers added "-ize" to turn that noun into an action: to gain or hold such control. The sense is that of seizing a market or resource so completely that rivals cannot compete. The word therefore describes an action taken against others, which explains why it so often appears in discussions of business and resources.

Synonyms: control, dominate, command, monopolise, own

Antonyms: share, distribute, free