power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The corrupting influence of power is total when one's power is total.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed on Wikipedia “List of proverbial phrases” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Common questions
What does “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely” mean?
The corrupting influence of power is total when one's power is total.
Is “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.