sphere of influence

noun

the geographical area in which one nation is very influential

• Syn: ↑sphere

• Hypernyms: ↑geographical area, ↑geographic area, ↑geographical region, ↑geographic region

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1. : a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount

2. : a region more or less under the control of a nation but not constituting a formally recognized protectorate

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any area in which one nation wields dominant power over another or others.

[1880-85]

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sphere of influence

Any region over which one nation has a dominant influence

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Main Entry: ↑sphere

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sphere of influence,

1. a small and usually underdeveloped nation or geographical area over which a powerful nation exercises economic or political control or influence: »

Southeast Asia is conceded to be Peking's natural sphere of influence (New York Times).

2. such economic or political control or influence: »

[Several nations] are thought here to be…opposing Washington's effort to retain a sphere of influence in Southeast Asia (New York Times).

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sphere of influence (or interest)

a country or area in which another country has power to affect developments although it has no formal authority

■ a field or area in which an individual or organization has power to affect events and developments