expansionist
expansionist — adjective
- expansionistpositive
- more expansionistcomparative
- most expansionistsuperlative
1. wanting a country to take more land, or a company to grow much bigger, often by
wanting a country to take more land, or a company to grow much bigger, often by aggressive means
The new president pursued an expansionist policy and sent troops to the neighbouring desert region.
expansionist + policy: typical noun collocation
Many farmers feared the empire's expansionist plans would soon reach their quiet river valley.
Under Owen, the coffee chain took an expansionist approach, opening forty new shops in one year.
Critics warned that the kingdom's expansionist ambitions could start a long and costly war.
The general's expansionist views worried the smaller nations along the eastern border.
- imperialist
stronger; specifically about building an empire over other peoples
- aggressive
broader; describes pushy behaviour, not only territorial or business growth
- isolationist
wanting a country to stay out of others' affairs rather than expand into them
用法筆記
Almost always sits before a noun (expansionist policy, ambitions, agenda) rather than after 'be'. Carries a negative, critical tone when describing a country.
expansionist — noun
- expansionistsingular
- expansionistsplural
1. someone who believes a country should take more land, or that a company should k
someone who believes a country should take more land, or that a company should keep growing much larger
As a lifelong expansionist, the senator argued that the nation must control more of the coast.
as a + expansionist: describing a person's stance
The young queen was no expansionist; she wanted peace with every kingdom on the map.
no + expansionist: denying the label
Salma joined a group of expansionists who wanted the company to open factories across Asia.
The history book describes the old emperor as a ruthless expansionist who seized many islands.
Voters rejected the expansionists and chose leaders who promised to protect the current borders.
- imperialist
narrower; one who supports ruling other countries, not just gaining land or markets
- empire-builder
informal; stresses personal drive to grow a business or organisation
- isolationist
one who wants the country to avoid involvement abroad rather than grow
用法筆記
Subject is usually a political leader, party, or business figure. Often paired with a judging adjective (ruthless, lifelong, committed) that signals the speaker's opinion.