power lust
Hunger for control
Power lust is an intense craving for control over others or dominance in a given sphere.
The phrase emphasizes the compulsive, appetitive quality of the desire—power sought not as a means to an end but as satisfaction in itself: His power lust made him unable to delegate even minor decisions.
Someone in the grip of power lust may sacrifice relationships, ethics, or practical outcomes to acquire and maintain control.
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- climb the ladderGain higher status successively
- greedExcessive desire for wealth
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- alpha maleDominant group leader
control · tyranny · hunger · ruthless · throne · conquest · king of the hill · megalomania · craving · scheming · corrupt · dictator · obsession · climb · manipulation · ego · insatiable · seize
- FaustianMephistopheles, Faust, Goethe, devil pact, Dr. Faustus
- MacbethMacbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff
- megalomaniamegalomania, delusions of grandeur, grandiosity, messiah complex, savior complex
power lusthumble service
Unassuming work for others
servanthood · servant leadership · humility · meekness · submissiveness
power lustcontentment
Peaceful satisfaction with circumstances
desirelessness · renunciation · apathy · equanimity · acceptance
power lustaltruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
selflessness · compassion · benevolence · empathy · magnanimity
power, lust, powers, powered, powering, powerful, powerless, powerfully, powerlessness