Phrase guide

will to power

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The vital energy in all living things which propels them to seek to grow, create, and thrive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: human-sciences, philosophy, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: élan vital

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The forceful desire, especially in human beings, to aggressively overcome, conquer, and dominate others.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: libido dominandi, self-aggrandizement

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Calque of German Wille zur Macht.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 權力意志 /权力意志 (quánlì yìzhì) — Nietzscheanism: vital energy in all living things
  • Chinese Mandarin: 強力意志 /强力意志 (qiánglì yìzhì) — Nietzscheanism: vital energy in all living things