Absolute power corrupts absolutely Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈæbsəˌɫut/ /ˈpaʊɝ/ /kɝˈəpts/ /ˌæbsəˈɫutɫi

AB-suh-loot POW-er ker-UPTS ab-suh-LOOT-lee

UK

ˈæbsəlˌuːt/ /pˈaʊɐ/ /kəɹˈʌpts/ /ˌæbsəlˈuːtli

AB-suh-loot POW-uh kuh-RUPTS ab-suh-LOOT-lee

Definition

This phrase means that when someone has complete control or authority, they are likely to become corrupt or misuse their power completely.

Usage & Nuances

This is a well-known proverb for discussing politics, leadership, and ethics. It usually refers to governments, rulers, or anyone in total control. Used in serious, formal, or reflective contexts. Not used for everyday power (e.g., 'absolute power' means unchecked, limitless authority).

• Spanish: el poder absoluto corrompe absolutamente
• Portuguese (BR): o poder absoluto corrompe absolutamente
• Portuguese (PT): o poder absoluto corrompe absolutamente
• Chinese (Simplified): 绝对的权力导致绝对的腐败
• Chinese (Traditional): 絕對的權力導致絕對的腐敗
• Hindi: पूर्ण शक्ति पूरी तरह से भ्रष्ट कर देती है
• Arabic: السلطة المطلقة تفسد بشكل مطلق
• Bengali: পরম ক্ষমতা সম্পূর্ণভাবে নষ্ট করে
• Russian: абсолютная власть развращает абсолютно
• Japanese: 絶対的な権力は絶対に腐敗する
• Vietnamese: quyền lực tuyệt đối làm tha hoá tuyệt đối
• Korean: 절대 권력은 반드시 부패한다
• Turkish: mutlak güç mutlaka yozlaştırır
• Urdu: مطلق اقتدار بالکل خراب کر دیتا ہے
• Indonesian: kekuasaan absolut pasti merusak

Example Sentences

They say that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

basic

The history book showed how absolute power corrupts absolutely in dictatorships.

basic

Many leaders forget that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

basic

You give someone unchecked control, and absolute power corrupts absolutely every time.

natural

We learned the hard way that absolute power corrupts absolutely, especially in politics.

natural

Remember, absolute power corrupts absolutely, so leaders need checks and balances.

natural