faustian Definition
- 1relating to or resembling Faust, a character in German legend who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for knowledge and power
- 2involving a situation in which someone is willing to sacrifice anything to achieve power or success
Using faustian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "faustian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The CEO's faustian pursuit of profits led to unethical business practices.
Example
The politician made a faustian bargain with a corrupt lobbyist to secure his election.
Example
The novel explores the faustian theme of sacrificing one's soul for worldly gain.
faustian Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with faustian
an agreement in which a person sacrifices moral integrity or values in exchange for power, success, or wealth
Example
The company made a faustian bargain with the government to avoid regulation.
faustian pact
a deal or agreement in which a person sacrifices something of great value in exchange for power or success
Example
The artist made a faustian pact with a wealthy patron to gain fame and fortune.
Example
The doctor faced a faustian dilemma when she had to choose between saving the mother or the baby during childbirth.
Origins of faustian
from Faust, the protagonist of a German legend who makes a deal with the devil
Summary: faustian in Brief
The term 'faustian' [ˈfɔːstiən] refers to a situation in which someone is willing to sacrifice anything to achieve power or success. It is often used to describe individuals who are ambitious, greedy, or power-hungry, and who are willing to make deals with the devil to achieve their goals. Examples include the CEO's faustian pursuit of profits, the politician's faustian bargain with a corrupt lobbyist, and the novel's exploration of the faustian theme of sacrificing one's soul for worldly gain.