1. supreme power or absolute dominion; sovereignty
Usage: formal; often used in historical or political contexts
2. the right to command in ancient Rome, especially the authority of a magistrate or general
Usage: historical; Roman law

Examples

• The emperor’s imperium extended across the vast territories of the empire.
• Roman generals were granted imperium to lead military campaigns.
• The concept of imperium was central to Roman political theory.
• Under the new constitution, no single leader would hold absolute imperium.
• The magistrate’s imperium allowed him to enforce the law within his jurisdiction.
• Historians debate the extent of imperial imperium in the provinces.