'expansionism' originates from the English word 'expansion,' which comes from the Latin word '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 'a policy of territorial or economic expansion.'