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

Second, Israel’s and America’s precision strikes deep into Iranian territory sent a clear message: The era of unchecked Iranian expansionism is over.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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

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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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Related Words

• imperialism