1. the policy or practice of annexing territory; the advocacy for territorial expansion through annexation.
Usage: often used in historical and political contexts; typically refers to state or national expansion

Examples

• The 19th-century annexationism of European powers reshaped the political map of Africa and Asia.
• Critics argued that the government's annexationism violated international law and the sovereignty of neighboring states.
• Annexationism was a driving force behind many territorial disputes in the early 20th century.
• The doctrine of annexationism justified colonial expansion as a natural extension of national power.
• Modern international law has largely rejected annexationism as a legitimate basis for territorial claims.