'expansionist' originates from the word 'expansion,' which comes from Latin 'expansio,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pandere' meant 'to spread.'

'expansio' transformed into the French word 'expansion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expansion' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of spreading out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'advocating for territorial or economic growth.'