扩张 (kuò zhāng) is a verb meaning 'to expand' — especially in a forceful, large-scale, or strategic way. It often refers to the growth of territory, influence, power, markets, or organizations, and carries connotations of ambition, control, or even aggression. The first character 扩 (kuò) means 'to widen' or 'to enlarge', while 张 (zhāng) means 'to stretch', 'to unfold', or 'to deploy'. Together, they evoke an active, outward-reaching motion — like stretching fabric taut or extending borders.

This word is common in political, economic, military, and business contexts: countries may 'expand their influence', companies 'expand operations overseas', or empires 'expand territorially'. It rarely describes gentle, organic growth — for that, use 扩大 (kuò dà) or 发展 (fā zhǎn). 扩张 is neutral in formal writing but can sound critical or alarmist when used about unchecked power, as in media analysis of geopolitical strategy.