empire builder

noun

: one whose aim or achievement is the formation of an empire: such as

a

: one whose aim and activities are chiefly designed to and usually do notably increase the territory of or controlled by a country or notably enhance a country's authority and dominion

b

: one whose aim and achievement is the extension of control (as financial or political) over a large territory or an extensive enterprise or set of related enterprises

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

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