Dominance

For the meaning of the word "dominance" in genetics, please see Dominance relationship

Dominance in the context of biology and anthropology is the state of having high social status relative to other individuals, who react submissively to dominant individuals. The opposite of dominance is submissiveness.

Dominance (also called Domination) - In terms of BDSM and D/s, this term refers to taking control of a person or situation through usage of some means (such as physical, mental, financial, etc), or to exercise this power. A person who exercises this power on a regular basis, outside of BDSM scenes, is called a Dominant; the gender specific titles being Dom for a man, Domme or Dominatrix for a woman.

"Dominance hierarchies" are found in many animals, including primates such as human beings.

See domination for a discussion of a human sexual behavior involving sexual dominance.