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

Derived Forms

• exˈpansionist, nounadjective
• exˌpansionˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·pansion·ist noun adjective
• ex·pansion·istic adjective
• anti·ex·pansion·ism noun
• anti·ex·pansion·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expansionism¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; expansion + -ism

Example Sentences

It seeks protection from Russian expansionism and help in defending Ukraine.

From BBC

The JVP in the past had been critical of India’s policy towards Sri Lanka and opposed what it called Indian expansionism.

From BBC

“Putin’s visit to Beijing is an example of the two big authoritarian countries supporting each other, working together with each other, supporting each other’s expansionism,” he said.

From Seattle Times

In the face of “authoritarian expansionism,” Taiwan is “determined to safeguard democracy and also safeguard our homeland, Lai said.”

From Seattle Times

They expect he’d abandon Ukraine, demanding that it cede Crimea and the Donbas region to Russia and thereby encouraging Putin’s expansionism in Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imperialism