empire building

American  

noun

1. the plans, activities, achievements, etc., of an empire builder.

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Etymology

Origin of empire building

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

One reason the Monroe doctrine and empire building went out of fashion was that colonies and client states wanted out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

Yes, there had always been daytime game shows, but after “American Idol” and “Survivor” became prime-time hits and the Kardashians began their empire building, the reality craze spread like kudzu through broadcast and cable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

But their empire building has not been without its controversial moments, with questions raised about EG Group's governance and a fine for "appalling" safety breaches at a former company.

From BBC • Feb. 29, 2024

Since then, McMahon has continued his empire building.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

General economic practice throughout the 1450-1970 experiments with nation building, empire building, competitive struggle and sporadic efforts at world conquest, occupation and exploitation have crossed national boundary lines as a matter of necessity.

From Civilization and Beyond Learning from History by Nearing, Scott