thirst for conquest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for conquest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or ambition to achieve dominance or control over something, often in a competitive or aggressive context. Example: "His thirst for conquest drove him to expand his empire beyond its borders, seeking new territories and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hideyoshi's thirst for conquest may have been partly inspired by the experience of two failed attempts by Mongol armies to take over Japan in the 13th century.

The New York Times - Books

Her description of the revolution and then the Terror shocks the reader; her summary of the human damage wrought by Napoleon's thirst for conquest is brilliantly succinct: "It would later be said that half of all French boys born between 1790 and 1795 had either been killed or wounded in Napoleon's wars".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Haggard maintained that it was Britain's "mission to conquer and hold in subjection" lesser races, "not from thirst of conquest but for the sake of law, justice, and order".

Wikipedia

We thirst for exactitudes.

The New York Times

Or: "I thirst for Paradise".

The New York Times - Books

Murray had an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

Dee's thirst for knowledge was insatiable.

The Economist

Parents must instill a thirst for learning.

The New York Times

"His thirst for knowledge is amazing.

Independent

But his thirst for publicity is unsated.

The Economist

Its thirst for information is well known.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the ethical implications of the pursuit. "Thirst for conquest" often implies a disregard for the well-being of those who may be affected by the expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "thirst for conquest" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the writing seem repetitive. Opt for synonyms or related phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for conquest" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It encapsulates a powerful desire for expansion and control, often associated with ambition and dominance. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in historical and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thirst for conquest" effectively conveys a strong and often aggressive desire for expansion and dominance. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While relatively rare in usage, its appearances in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources suggest a neutral register suitable for describing historical or political ambitions. Alternatives such as "hunger for domination" or "desire for supremacy" can offer nuanced variations on this theme. When employing "thirst for conquest", be mindful of its potential to evoke negative connotations associated with unchecked ambition and disregard for others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insatiable appetite for power

Emphasizes the unending nature of the desire, replacing "thirst" with "insatiable appetite" and "conquest" with "power."

ambition for control

Substitutes "thirst" with "ambition" and "conquest" with "control", highlighting the intentional pursuit of power.

unquenchable desire for dominance

Highlights the inability to satisfy the longing, replacing "thirst" with "unquenchable desire" and "conquest" with "dominance."

hunger for domination

Substitutes "thirst" with "hunger" and "conquest" with "domination", emphasizing the intensity of the desire.

drive for mastery

Replaces "thirst" with "drive" and "conquest" with "mastery", emphasizing the proactive and determined nature of the ambition.

desire for supremacy

Replaces "thirst" with "desire" and "conquest" with "supremacy", focusing on the aspiration for ultimate power.

yearning for dominion

Replaces "thirst" with "yearning" and "conquest" with "dominion", slightly altering the emotional tone to suggest a deeper longing.

passion for subjugation

Substitutes "thirst" with "passion" and "conquest" with "subjugation", stressing an intense and emotional desire to bring others under control.

craving for ascendancy

Substitutes "thirst" with "craving" and "conquest" with "ascendancy", conveying a strong and almost uncontrollable desire to rise to a position of dominance.

zeal for expansion

Replaces "thirst" with "zeal" and "conquest" with "expansion", focusing on the enthusiastic and energetic drive to grow and extend influence.

FAQs

What does "thirst for conquest" mean?

The phrase "thirst for conquest" describes a strong and insatiable desire to expand one's territory, power, or influence, often through aggressive means.

How can I use "thirst for conquest" in a sentence?

You might say, "The general's thirst for conquest led him to invade neighboring countries" or "The corporation's thirst for conquest drove it to acquire smaller companies."

What are some alternatives to "thirst for conquest"?

You can use alternatives like "hunger for domination", "desire for supremacy", or "ambition for control" depending on the specific context.

Is "thirst for conquest" always used in a negative context?

While often used to describe aggressive expansion, "thirst for conquest" can also describe a strong drive for achievement or overcoming challenges, although it usually carries a connotation of imposing one's will on others.