( BrE also mon·op·ol·ise ) / məˈnɒpəlaɪz; NAmE məˈnɑːp-/ verb [ vn ]
1.
to have or take control of the largest part of sth so that other people are prevented from sharing it :
Men traditionally monopolized jobs in the printing industry.
As usual, she completely monopolized the conversation.
2.
to have or take a large part of sb's attention or time so that they are unable to speak to or deal with other people
► mon·op·ol·iza·tion , mon·op·ol·isa·tion / məˌnɒpəlaɪˈzeɪʃn; NAmE məˌnɑːpələˈz-/ noun [ U ]