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power-hungry politician

power-hungry politician

5.3
A politician who wants too much control over others
  • noun
  • /ˈpaʊər ˈhʌŋɡri pəˈlɪtɪʃən/
  • Offensive
translation icon : político sediento de poder
  • The film depicted a power-hungry politician manipulating events behind the scenes.

Examples

  • Many citizens grew wary of the power-hungry politician who promised to consolidate control.

  • The power-hungry politician made controversial decisions.

  • People often mistrust a power-hungry politician who places ambition above all else.

  • Many citizens distrust the power-hungry politicians in their government.

  • The citizens protested against the power-hungry politician who was trying to change the laws for personal gain.

  • In a desperate attempt to keep his position, the power-hungry politician manipulated the media to spread false information.

  • Voters became disillusioned with the power-hungry politician who prioritized his ambitions over the needs of the community.

Synonyms

megalomaniac
vspower-hungry politician
8 9.9

A person who wants power very much and thinks they are more important than other people

is a public official motivated by gaining control rather than self-glorification
powermonger
vspower-hungry politician
  • Offensive
1 8.9

A person who tries to control others and make all important decisions

is a public official focused on gaining control rather than general aggression
condottiere
vspower-hungry politician
  • Formal
9.9

A leader who changes sides to gain money or power

is a public official aiming for control rather than personal profit or opportunism

Antonyms

165 1.0

A person who helps a larger group or leader by doing needed work

How Power-Hungry

dictator
33 5.6
power-hungry politician
  • Offensive
5.3
politician
2.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

power-hungry + politician

The meaning 'a politician with an excessive desire for power' is directly derivable from combining 'power' with the adjective-forming use of 'hungry' (i.e. 'hungry for power'). The metaphorical use of 'hungry' to mean 'eager/insatiable for' is a common, predictable pattern and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituents.

Etymology

Power-hungry politician comes from a simple image: someone who is hungry for power, like a person always wanting more to fill a hunger. So, it refers to a politician who 'wants too much power' and never seems satisfied.