will to power
noun phrase
1
: the drive of the superman in the philosophy of Nietzsche to perfect and transcend the self through the possession and exercise of creative power
2
: a conscious or unconscious desire to exercise authority over others
Examples of will to power in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the wider society, the intensity of control builds up psychological forces of resistance that could explode with considerable force if the regime ever falters, either in its performance or in its will to power.
—
Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019
But a will to power is built into their origin story.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024
But the incentive to forget an event like January 6 always arises from the will to power.
—TIME, 5 Jan. 2024
Although the Russian leader speaks often of the security threat posed by potential NATO expansion, this is little more than a fig leaf for his naked and unaccountable will to power.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019
But a will to power is built into their origin story.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024
But the incentive to forget an event like January 6 always arises from the will to power.
—TIME, 5 Jan. 2024
Although the Russian leader speaks often of the security threat posed by potential NATO expansion, this is little more than a fig leaf for his naked and unaccountable will to power.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
Dictionary Entries Near will to power
Cite this Entry
“Will to power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/will%20to%20power. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share