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Expansionist: meaning, definitions and examples

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expansionist

 

[ɪkˈspænʃənɪst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

foreign policy

A person, group, or country that seeks to expand their territory or influence through aggressive actions or policies.

Synonyms

annexationist, colonizer, imperialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expansionist

This term is often used in a political or economic context to describe a country or leader who advocates for expanding their country's territory or influence. It can be used neutrally or negatively, depending on the perspective.

  • The expansionist policies of the government led to several border conflicts.
  • She was known for her expansionist views, pushing for more aggressive trade agreements.
imperialist

This term is used in a political and historical context to describe individuals, policies, or actions related to empire-building and extending a country's power through diplomacy or military force. It almost always has a negative connotation.

  • His imperialist ambitions resulted in numerous wars and conflicts.
  • The era of imperialist expansion left a lasting impact on many regions.
colonizer

This term is used to describe individuals, groups, or nations that establish colonies in foreign lands. It often carries a negative connotation due to historical associations with exploitation and oppression.

  • The colonizers imposed their culture and language on the indigenous people.
  • History remembers the colonizers as both explorers and oppressors.
annexationist

This is a more specific term that refers to someone who supports or engages in the practice of annexing territory. It often has a negative connotation and is used in historical or contemporary discussions about territorial disputes.

  • The annexationist goals of the regime were condemned by the international community.
  • His annexationist stance caused tensions with neighboring countries.

Examples of usage

  • The expansionist country invaded its neighboring nations in order to annex their land.
  • The expansionist politician advocated for military expansion in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

economy

A business or organization that aims to grow and increase its market share through acquisitions, mergers, or aggressive business strategies.

Synonyms

ambitious, competitive, growth-oriented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expansionist

Best used when describing someone or something that seeks to expand its influence or territory, often in a political, economic, or military sense. It has a slightly negative connotation as it can imply aggressive or overreaching behavior.

  • The country pursued an expansionist policy, aiming to extend its borders into neighboring territories.
  • The company's expansionist strategies led to rapid growth but also significant debt.
competitive

Best used to describe a person or environment that is motivated by the desire to win or be the best. It can be neutral, positive, or slightly negative depending on the attitude and actions involved.

  • John has a very competitive nature, always pushing himself to outperform his colleagues.
  • The job market is highly competitive, making it challenging to secure a position.
growth-oriented

Typically used to describe a person, company, or strategy focused on development and progress, often in a business or financial context. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • The startup implemented a growth-oriented approach to increase its market share.
  • She has a growth-oriented mindset, always looking for opportunities to learn and improve.
ambitious

Suitable for describing a person who has strong desires to achieve success, power, or distinction, often in a career or personal goal setting. The term is generally positive but can sometimes imply overly driven behavior.

  • She is an ambitious young lawyer, always striving to reach the top of her profession.
  • His ambitious plans include opening several new stores in the next two years.

Examples of usage

  • The expansionist company acquired several smaller competitors to dominate the market.
  • The expansionist corporation expanded its operations globally to increase profits.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'expansionism' emerged in political and academic discussions during the 19th century, particularly related to the imperial ambitions of nations.
  • Countries like the USA embraced expansionist policies in the 19th century, notably through concepts such as Manifest Destiny, which justified westward expansion.
  • The Age of Exploration, from the late 15th to the 17th century, marked the beginning of global expansionist movements as European powers colonized vast territories.

Politics

  • Expansionist policies can lead to conflicts, as land disputes and the quest for resources often spark wars.
  • Some modern nations pursue economic expansionism, aiming for influence through trade agreements and investments rather than military force.
  • Post-World War II, expansionist ideologies were often at the heart of the Cold War as both superpowers sought to extend their ideological influence globally.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, expansionist themes often explore the consequences of greed and the moral dilemmas associated with taking what doesn't belong to them.
  • Popular games, like 'Civilization', allow players to experience the strategies and challenges of expansionist policies firsthand.
  • The concept of a 'space expansionist', advocating for human colonization of other planets, has grown popular in science fiction media.

Economics

  • Economic expansionism focuses on increasing output and sales, often seen in nations striving for growth through globalization.
  • Some economic theories argue that expansionist policies can lead to greater stability by securing resources and markets.
  • Countries may adopt expansionist strategies in their economic planning, attempting to dominate certain industries on a global level.

Psychology

  • The desire for expansion can be linked to human psychology, where individuals or groups seek power and control as a means of security.
  • Cognitive biases, such as in-group favoritism, may lead groups to justify expansionist actions as necessary for their survival or success.
  • Psychologically, nations may rationalize expansionist behavior through narratives of historical destiny or cultural superiority.

Translations

Translations of the word "expansionist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expansionista

🇮🇳 विस्तारवादी

🇩🇪 expansionistisch

🇮🇩 ekspansionis

🇺🇦 експансіоніст

🇵🇱 ekspansjonistyczny

🇯🇵 拡張主義者 (かくちょうしゅぎしゃ)

🇫🇷 expansionniste

🇪🇸 expansionista

🇹🇷 yayılmacı

🇰🇷 팽창주의자 (paengchangjuuija)

🇸🇦 توسعي (tawsi)

🇨🇿 expanzionistický

🇸🇰 expanzionistický

🇨🇳 扩张主义者 (kuòzhāng zhǔyì zhě)

🇸🇮 ekspanzionist

🇮🇸 útþenslusinni

🇰🇿 экспансионист

🇬🇪 ექსპანსიონისტი (ekspansionisti)

🇦🇿 ekspansionist

🇲🇽 expansionista

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,379, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.