empire builder

noun

1. a person who plans or works to extend dominion or control, as over territory, political organizations, or business enterprises.

empire-builder

noun

1. informal.
   a person who seeks extra power for its own sake, esp by increasing the number of his subordinates or staff

Derived Forms

• ˈempire-ˌbuilding, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of empire builder¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

These Christians see Trump as a modern-day Cyrus the Great, the powerful empire builder and nonbeliever who is credited in the Old Testament with returning the Jews to the Holy Land.

From Slate

“Nevertheless, she had the temperament and stamina and force of an empire builder,” Glück wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Amtrak’s Empire Builder derailed Sept. 25, 2021, in northern Montana while en route from Chicago to Seattle and Portland, Oregon, with 154 people on board.

From Seattle Times

While he lost his first three starts the following year, the last one was a half-length loss to eventual Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Builder in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York.

From Seattle Times

While he lost his first three starts the following year, the last one was a half-length loss to eventual Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Builder in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York.

From Washington Times