1. in the individual psychology of Alfred Adler, the determination to strive for superiority and domination, which he believed to be particularly strong in men who feel a need to escape the feelings of insecurity and inferiority that they associate with femininity.

2. in the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche, the determination to affirm oneself through courage, strength, and pride, which necessitates casting off the “slave morality” of Christianity, democracy, and false compassion. The will to power is the motive principle of the superman. Also called Wille zur Macht.