expansionism

[ik-span-shuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. a policy of expansion, as of territory or currency.

   the colonial expansionism of Europe in the 19th century.

expansionism

/ ɪkˈspænʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the doctrine or practice of expanding the economy or territory of a country

Other Word Forms

• expansionist noun
• expansionistic adjective
• antiexpansionism noun
• antiexpansionist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of expansionism¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; expansion + -ism

Example Sentences

New Caledonia is central to Macron’s Indo-Pacific strategy and France’s ability to counter China’s expansionism in the region.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But the facts about brutal expansionism in the West Bank and mass death in Gaza speak for themselves.

Read more on Salon

VE Day was a joint Allied triumph over Nazi Germany; over hatred, dictatorship, the Third Reich's territorial expansionism and heinous crimes against humanity.

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The view from Eastern Europe, on Nato's front line, gives a much sharper perspective on issues around Russian expansionism, Catlyn says.

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Many Panamanians question Trump’s motives on the canal, suggesting they may have to do with business pursuits or imperialistic expansionism, which has also seen Trump express interest in Greenland, Canada and even the Gaza Strip.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imperialism