expansionism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of expansionism
Explanation
For the word expansionism, think of something expanding, of getting bigger. This time, it's not your waistline, it's a country. Expansionism is how the United States ended up with 50 states instead of 13 colonies. Way back when, expansionism used to be called "imperialism." But then imperialism got a bad name, so now it is called expansionism. Basically, it's a country trying to exert influence over another country, or actually moving on in or invading. Needless to say, the other country isn't always so happy about being swept up in expansionism.
Vocabulary lists containing expansionism
STAAR U.S. History 2
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Chapter 23: Rise to World Power
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
New Caledonia is central to Macron’s Indo-Pacific strategy and France’s ability to counter China’s expansionism in the region.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2024
The US marked its diplomatic presence at the presidential country retreat by brokering a thaw in the relationship of the two pacific nations in the face of growing Chinese expansionism.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2023
General Brown and Mr. Austin would advise Mr. Biden on national security matters from the war in Ukraine to China’s military expansionism in the Asia-Pacific region.
From New York Times ● May 4, 2023
His expansionism, bluster and repression have produced quantifiable results.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 20, 2022
President McKinley again had defeated William Jennings Bryan, but the campaign issue was American expansionism overseas.
From United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches by United States. Presidents.
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