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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of will to power was in 1907

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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