1.
monopoly, exclusive control
Having sole control over a market, resource, or industry, preventing competition. Used in economic and business contexts.
市場を独占する。
To monopolize the market.
その企業は業界で独占的な地位を築いた。
That company built a monopolistic position in the industry.
独占禁止法に違反する恐れがあると指摘された。
It was pointed out that there may be a violation of the antitrust law.
2.
exclusive possession, keeping something all to oneself
Claiming something entirely for oneself, not sharing with others. Used for attention, affection, time, or other non-commercial things.
彼女の注目を独占したい。
I want to have her attention all to myself.
末っ子はいつも親の愛情を独占していた。
The youngest child always had the parents' affection all to themselves.
あの選手は大会で金メダルを独占し、一躍スターになった。
That athlete swept the gold medals at the tournament and became a star overnight.
USAGE:
Functions as a noun and suru-verb (独占する). Sense 1 is the economic/legal meaning, commonly seen in news and business contexts. Sense 2 is the everyday meaning of keeping something exclusively for oneself.
The compound 独占禁止法 (Antimonopoly Act) is the formal name of Japan's antitrust law.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 市場を独占する: to monopolize the market
- 独占的: monopolistic
- 独占禁止法: Antimonopoly Act
- 独占欲: possessiveness
- 独占企業: monopoly (company)