PoliticsAugust 18, 2026

supranational

soo-pur-uh-NASH-uh-nul

Definition

Having power or influence that transcends national boundaries or governments, operating above the level of an individual sovereign state.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin prefix 'supra-' meaning 'above' or 'beyond,' combined with 'national.' It entered English in the early 20th century to describe organizations or systems that exist independently of specific national governments.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe the International Criminal Court, highlighting the US government's perspective that the court exercises illegitimate, overriding authority over sovereign nations.

US sanctions International Criminal Court president and Israel prosecutor

Read the full article ↗

The Irish Times

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