/ ɪkˈspænʃənɪzəm; NAmE / noun
[ U ] (sometimes disapproving ) the belief in and process of increasing the size and importance of sth, especially in a country or a business :
the economic expansionism of America
military / territorial expansionism
► ex·pan·sion·ist / -ʃənɪst; NAmE / adjective :
expansionist policies
► ex·pan·sion·ist noun :
He was a ruthless expansionist.