powerhungry

Powerhungry is an adjective used to describe individuals who exhibit an intense and ongoing desire for power, influence, or control over others. The term is typically applied in political, organizational, or social contexts to indicate motivation that prioritizes power gains over other concerns, such as consensus-building, ethical considerations, or collaborative leadership.

The word is a compound of power and hungry and is common in English-language journalism, political analysis, and popular discourse. It is rarely used as a clinical diagnosis, but it conveys a normative judgment about someone's aims or methods. It can apply to leaders, officials, or groups perceived as seeking centralized authority, coercion, or suppression of dissent.

In psychology and sociology, power-seeking behavior is studied in relation to personality traits and political systems. While not a formal diagnosis, tendencies associated with power hunger can correlate with traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, or authoritarianism, and with behaviors like manipulation, coercion, or risk-taking to consolidate power. Powerhungry behavior may emerge from structural incentives, fear of loss of status, or perceived threats to influence.

Powerhungry figures appear in history, fiction, and media as cautionary exemplars of how ambition can distort judgment, erode institutions, and undermine legitimacy. Critics warn that unchecked power concentration can lead to autocracy, corruption, or governance that weakens democratic norms. Proponents may argue that strong leadership requires decisive action and a focus on outcomes.

See also: power, ambition, authoritarianism, narcissism, Machiavellianism, leadership.