power trip meaning in chat

• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of power trip

Examples of power trip in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near power trip

power train

Cite this Entry

“Power trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20trip. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, circumlocution.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, a great big list of bread words, the words of the week - apr. 12, 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

The Enlightened Mindset

Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding

Welcome to the world's first fully AI generated website!

Exploring Power Tripping: A Guide to Identifying, Addressing, and Avoiding It

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Power tripping is a term used to describe a person’s attempts to assert their dominance over another person, often through the use of manipulation or coercion. It can be seen in many different types of relationships, from romantic partnerships to professional ones, and its effects can be damaging for both the power tripper and their target. In this article, we’ll explore what power tripping is, the impact it has on relationships, and strategies for dealing with it. We’ll also look at some of the common causes of power tripping and ways to avoid becoming a power tripper yourself.

Defining Power Tripping: What is it?

Power tripping is a form of psychological abuse in which one person seeks to gain control over another person by using tactics such as manipulation, intimidation, and coercion. It is often done in an effort to assert one’s dominance over the other person, and it can be seen in both personal and professional relationships. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, power tripping “is characterized by an individual’s need to gain control over others through the use of coercive tactics and aggressive behavior.”

Overview of the Impact of Power Tripping on Relationships

Power tripping can have a significant impact on relationships, both for the power tripper and their target. The power tripper may feel a sense of superiority, but their behavior can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear in their target. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust, causing further damage to the relationship. On the other hand, the target of power tripping may experience feelings of helplessness and lack of control. They may also feel resentment towards the power tripper, leading to further conflict in the relationship.

Identifying and Addressing Power Tripping

How to identify power tripping.

Power tripping can be difficult to recognize, as it often takes place in subtle ways. However, there are some signs that can indicate power tripping is taking place. These include:

• Manipulating situations to get the desired outcome
• Using guilt or shame to control the other person
• Making decisions without consulting the other person
• Refusing to listen to or acknowledge the other person’s point of view
• Using verbal put-downs or insults to belittle the other person

Strategies for Dealing with Power Tripping

If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who is power tripping, there are some strategies you can use to address the issue. First, it’s important to be aware of your own feelings and reactions to the power tripping behavior. If you’re feeling angry or frustrated, try to take a step back and take a few deep breaths. Then, calmly explain to the power tripper why their behavior is unacceptable and ask them to stop. If they refuse, it may be necessary to set boundaries and limit contact with the power tripper until they are willing to change their behavior.

Exploring Reasons Behind Power Tripping

Common causes of power tripping.

There are a number of reasons why people may engage in power tripping behavior. In some cases, it’s a learned behavior that has been passed down from generation to generation. In other cases, it may be the result of childhood trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse. Other potential causes include low self-esteem, a desire for control, or a need to prove one’s superiority over others.

Examining the Consequences of Power Tripping

The consequences of power tripping can be severe and long-lasting. It can lead to feelings of insecurity, anger, and resentment in the target, as well as a breakdown in communication and trust. It can also cause a rift in the relationship, making it more difficult to repair. In the workplace, power tripping can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress levels, and a hostile work environment.

Avoiding Becoming a Power Tripper

Tips for preventing power tripping in the workplace.

In the workplace, it’s important to create an environment that is free from power tripping. Here are some tips for preventing power tripping in the workplace:

• Set clear expectations and boundaries for employees
• Encourage open and honest communication
• Recognize employees for their contributions
• Promote an environment of respect and collaboration
• Hold meetings regularly to discuss any issues or concerns

Ways to Avoid Becoming a Power Tripper

It’s also important to be aware of your own behavior and make sure you’re not engaging in power tripping. Here are some tips for avoiding becoming a power tripper:

• Be mindful of how you communicate with others
• Listen to and consider other people’s opinions
• Respect other people’s boundaries and decisions
• Be open to compromise and collaboration
• Focus on building relationships, rather than asserting dominance

Summary of Key Points

Power tripping is a form of psychological abuse in which one person seeks to gain control over another person by using tactics such as manipulation, intimidation, and coercion. It can have a damaging effect on relationships, both for the power tripper and their target. It’s important to be aware of the signs of power tripping and to have strategies for dealing with it. Additionally, it’s important to understand the common causes of power tripping and to take steps to prevent it in the workplace. Finally, it’s important to be aware of your own behavior and to avoid becoming a power tripper yourself.

Final Thoughts on Power Tripping

Power tripping is a serious problem that can have a damaging effect on relationships. It’s important to be aware of the signs of power tripping and to take steps to address it when it occurs. Additionally, it’s important to understand the reasons behind power tripping and to take steps to prevent it in the workplace. By being aware of power tripping and taking steps to address it, we can create healthier, more balanced relationships.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

Related Post

Exploring japan: a comprehensive guide for your memorable journey, your ultimate guide to packing for a perfect trip to hawaii, the ultimate packing checklist: essentials for a week-long work trip, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Expert Guide: Removing Gel Nail Polish at Home Safely

Trading crypto in bull and bear markets: a comprehensive examination of the differences, making croatia travel arrangements, make their day extra special: celebrate with a customized cake.

This story is over 5 years old.

How to manipulate a power tripper, one email. one story. every week. sign up for the vice newsletter..

By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content.

• Find a company

Power tripping: what to do when someone misuses their authority at work

Sep 22, 2020

Journaliste indépendante

“Constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.” French philosopher, Montesquieu’s theory was that people with power have a natural tendency to abuse it. His words seem to be as true today as they were in the 18th century. Just take a look at the huge number of claims of harassment voiced during the #MeToo movement, as well as the many high-profile cases such as those citing President Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, and the late Jeffrey Epstein. Here in the UK, we are no more advanced: only a minority of universities have a policy against student-staff relationships.

But what exactly is the abuse of power in the business world? We hear a lot about sexual and psychological harassment, but are there other forms that the abuse may take? How can we recognize them? And how can employers strive to prevent them from happening? To find out more, we looked into what happens when power dynamics in the workplace become toxic .

What does “abuse of power” mean exactly?

Awareness of sexual harassment has increased in recent years, but it would be unwise to limit the definition of abuse of power to these particular forms. Abuse of power can be defined as any excessive exercise of a power by an individual. It’s when that individual uses their capabilities outside the usual scope of action or, in simpler terms, they exceed the limit of their rights. Legally, an employer has the right to:

• Change the working conditions of employees (but they may not change employment contracts without employee consent)
• Impose disciplinary action (but they may not proceed to dismissal without genuine and serious cause)
• Choose to hire one person over another (but they may not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, or religion, for example).

Additionally, any decision made by an individual employer that is not made purely in the best interests of the company, but is instead primarily intended to directly harm an employee’s working conditions, may be considered an abuse of power.

While sexual harassment may seem the most “obvious” misuse of power in the workplace, it is not the only form. Misuse of power can also manifest as intimidation, humiliation, threats, or mockery . Through these means, employers can isolate targeted employees, hound them by micromanaging their work , demote them without good cause, overload them with work or r efuse to give them with enough to do , constantly [criticize https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/workplace-bullying ) them, demand justifications for their actions, or publicly dismiss any ideas or proposals they put forward––the list is long.

The Power Paradox

While every abuse of power case is unique, it is common for those in positions of power to be tempted to abuse it, even though they have likely acquired that power through genuine, laudable qualities. This is what the American professor and psychologist Dacher Keltner calls “the power paradox” : “In the behavioral research I’ve conducted over the past 20 years, I’ve uncovered a disturbing pattern: while people usually gain power through traits and actions that advance the interests of others, such as empathy, collaboration, openness, fairness, and sharing; when they start to feel powerful or enjoy a position of privilege, those qualities begin to fade. The powerful are more likely than other people to engage in rude, selfish, and unethical behavior,” he notes. Keltner also found that businesspeople in positions of power are three times more likely than their subordinates to interrupt colleagues , ignore them, or take other unwelcome actions during meetings, or to raise their voices or insult others in the office.

Power contributes to a loss of empathy among those who wield it. Because those in power no longer feel compelled to pay attention to the needs of others to ensure their own progression and position, they tend to develop a lack of both empathy and compassion. This not only makes it more difficult for them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, but it’s also likely to make them more impulsive and more likely to take risks. These phenomena were observed by Professor Sukhvinder Obhi, a neuroscientist at McMaster University in Canada, who observed what was happening in the brains of people in positions of power and those in subordinate positions. It turned out that in the “powerful” group, the functioning of mirror neurons, which are responsible for empathy, was impaired . Professor Obhi provided scientific evidence that the brain chemistry of powerful individuals can hinder their efforts to show empathy and compassion towards others.

Serious consequences

The lack of empathy that so often accompanies power misuse can have profoundly serious consequences , both for the victimized employee and for the company.

In a survey conducted by American professors Christine Porath and Christine Pearson with 800 managers and employees across 17 industries, about half of those surveyed who reported being subjected to abuse of power said they responded by deliberately reducing their efforts and/or lowering the quality of their work. This demotivation can be extremely powerful itself, sometimes even leading employees to stop caring about their work altogether.

Companies suffer when there is a widespread lack of motivation, but those individuals who are being mistreated should not be forgotten. Stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and a deep sense of injustice are some of the most common symptoms among the victims. If it happens consistently and repeatedly, the misuse of power can ultimately lead to burn-out and depression.

For Marion, an office manager at a small communications agency, it took a while before she could adequately describe her condition: “My boss often asked me to do little things for him, which were not part of my job, such as running errands, booking his holidays, going to his place to get his keys. At first, I did these things for him as a favor, but then it ended up encroaching on my actual job. I didn’t know how to say no, but I was getting more and more stressed, and was going to work with knots in my stomach. I felt that something was definitely wrong, but I couldn’t talk about it. Eventually, I went to my doctor about my anxiety attacks, which were becoming more and more frequent, and he immediately diagnosed me with burn-out.”

Talking about it isn’t enough: the spectre of sexual harassment

Although there’s increased visibility of workplace abuses of power, particularly with regards to cases of sexual harassment, there’s still an enormous amount to do. It’s particularly worth remembering that, according to a survey carried out by the Everyday Sexism project in conjunction with the TUC, more than half of women surveyed in the UK reported being the victims of unwanted sexual behavior at work. However, only 20% of those affected had opened up to a colleague about the issue, and only 5% had spoken to someone who potentially had the authority to act on what had happened.

In seeking to remedy this, the UK government instituted a public consultation in mid-2019, which sought opinions on whether “the current laws on this issue provide the protections they’re supposed to; considering whether there are any gaps and thinking about what more can be done at a practical level to ensure people are properly protected at work” . Nevertheless, progress on the issue remains difficult to measure since nearly a year after the consultation closed, no steps have been taken based on the results of the consultation. Indeed, the results themselves have not been revealed publicly yet. In an environment such as this, it’s impossible to avoid the conclusion that victims of sexually-oriented abuses of power have to rely on solutions and structures initiated by their employers.

Prevention campaigns and support groups

The majority of studies agree that to deal with the various issues related to abuse of power, prevention efforts must first be put in place within companies.

According to Christine Marsan, a psychologist, coach, and the author of ‘Violence in Business and How to Avoid It’, the first step is educating executives about the complexity of the workplace as it is today: “Young people today need meaning, they need power to be shared, and they seek to understand the purpose of the actions they are being asked to take. It’s no longer possible to manage by diktat. The most common complaints relating to abuses of power are regarding orders that make no sense, contradictory demands, management by stress…because managers promote the values of openness and cooperation but fail to apply them in their own management, managers get trapped in their own contradictions, and will pass them on to others through ordering one thing while doing another.” To remedy this, it’s necessary to train business leaders to share power with the lower members of the hierarchy, to recognize the uniqueness of each employee, and to adapt to a view of business that is more progressive: specifically, organizations where decisions are more and more collective , and where power is no longer entirely held by a single person or leadership group.

In its practical guide, entitled “Sexual harassment and harassment at work: technical guidance,” the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission gives employees a legal explanation and practical examples of how to tackle and respond effectively to harassment, including examples of harassment and victimization, the effects of harassment in the workplace, employers’ responsibilities and how to prevent and respond to harassment.

While #MeToo has enabled an undeniable release of speech and the implementation of certain measures against sexual harassment and power misuse, there is still a long way to go when it comes to prevention in business.

Translated by Andrea Schwam

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

Follow Welcome to the Jungle on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram , and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles every day!

More inspiration: Health & wellbeing

Dans une carrière, mieux vaut avoir des regrets que des remords !

Avoir des regrets est humain, voici comment les exploiter pour mieux les vivre au quotidien.

Sep 21, 2023

Stresslaxation: when trying to relax stresses you out more…

While stress has been declared Public Enemy Number 1, some health experts suggest our obsession with relaxation is making it worse.

Aug 31, 2022

Outside the box: neurodiversity and the changing workplace

How is our current working culture adapted to neurodiverse workers? And what impact did Covid-19 have on neurodiversity in the office?

Apr 06, 2022

What if your career has become your whole identity?

Who are these workers whose identities are completely entangled with their careers? And what happens when things no longer go as planned?

Oct 27, 2021

The (subtle) art of not caring at work

It's not exactly 'not caring' but rather, drawing the line. Here is how these three happy and successful professionals put their foot down at work.

Sep 22, 2021

The newsletter that does the job

Want to keep up with the latest articles? Twice a week you can receive stories, jobs, and tips in your inbox.

Looking for your next job opportunity?

Over 200,000 people have found a job with Welcome to the Jungle.

• patricia4423

Someone on Your Team Having a Power Trip? How to Reinforce Teamwork with High Performers

If you manage a large, dynamic team, you may have experienced certain employees with strong personalities going on “power trips.” A power trip is a situation in which someone takes advantage of their authority or position to gain an unfair advantage over others. This can be seen in the workplace when certain individuals use their power and influence for personal gain, often at the expense of other employees. Power trips can create an atmosphere of fear and distrust that makes it difficult for employees to work together effectively, resulting in decreased productivity, morale, and teamwork.

In addition, those on a power trip may take excessive risks with company resources or make decisions based on their own interests rather than what's best for the business as a whole. Ultimately, this type of behavior can lead to significant damage both to employee relationships and the organization as a whole.

It's important to recognize signs of a power trip in the workplace, such as an individual using their authority to bully or intimidate others, making decisions without considering input from employees, or taking credit for successes that were due to the contributions of other team members. If left unchecked, this type of behavior can have serious long-term consequences on both employee morale and organizational performance. However, you may notice that many of the individuals who “go on power trips” are your high performers. This is largely due to the fact that high performers can be very competitive. It isn’t just a sense of money or obligation that drives them to be the best. They want to be the best, and as a result they can grow a sense of entitlement if not directed by leadership.

The best way to address power trips is for management to first make it clear that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Secondly, ensure that there is an outlet for good competition, and that teamwork and great communication is rewarded before anything else in the company. Management should also ensure that everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities, and that favoritism is not a part of your company's management structure. By creating an environment where respect and fairness are upheld, employers can help prevent power trips before they start and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

How To Combat Negative Competition in the Workplace

Competition is a powerful tool in the workplace. It can help create a productive and fulfilling environment for your team. However, negative competition can be detrimental to the productivity of your workplace. Negative competition is when an individual or group of individuals become self-serving in their endeavors to be successful, and care more about their own success than the success of the company or team at large. Typically negative competition causes an “every man for themselves” type of mentality and derails good teamwork. That is why the best way to extinguish negative competition is not through discouraging competition, but rather encouraging teamwork.

Teamwork is an important factor in the success of any workplace. Establishing strong teams can help increase productivity and efficiency, as well as create a positive working environment. To foster teamwork, employers should create an environment that encourages collaboration and communication between team members. This can include setting up dedicated workspaces for teams to work together, organizing regular activities or meetings, and exchanging recognition and rewards.

Additionally, it is important to provide training opportunities that focus on developing interpersonal skills such as problem-solving, conflict management, good communication practices, and trust-building exercises. Encouraging employees to take part in initiatives like volunteering together or participating in team sports activities can also go a long way towards reinforcing teamwork.

Ultimately, employers should strive to create a culture of trust, respect and collaboration that encourages open dialogue and creativity among team members. This will help to maximize the potential of their teams and create a positive working environment where employees feel empowered to work together as one unit.

Here Are 5 Ways to Foster Teamwork in Your Workplace:

1. Celebrate Success Together: Recognizing team success is a great way to reinforce teamwork in the workplace. This could be as simple as having an end-of-day celebration for reaching a big milestone or achievement, or handing out awards for exemplary performance. It’s important to make sure that everyone feels included and appreciated, so try to find ways to recognize individual contributions as well as collective efforts.

2. Encourage Open Communication: Good communication is essential for any team to succeed, so it's important to create an environment that encourages employees to speak up and share their ideas. Scheduling regular meetings where everyone can discuss progress and goals can help keep everyone on the same page and foster collaboration within the team. Additionally, providing feedback to team members in a constructive and positive way helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

3. Set Clear Goals: Having clear objectives and goals for the team can help guide their work and motivate them to work together to reach those goals. Making sure that everyone understands what they are expected to do, as well as how they can contribute to the team's success, can help foster a sense of ownership among employees. This will also make it easier for managers to provide feedback and recognize individual achievements based on progress towards these goals.

4. Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Investing in your team's professional development is a great way to show that you value their contributions and believe in their potential growth. Offering training and educational opportunities can help employees stay up-to-date with trends in their field and ensure that everyone is working to the best of their abilities. This will also create a culture of continuous learning and development, which can be beneficial for the entire team.

5. Acknowledge Contributions: Finally, acknowledging each team member's individual contributions is essential for reinforcing teamwork in the workplace. Showing your appreciation for specific tasks or projects completed goes a long way towards creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, which in turn helps to promote collaboration between coworkers. Taking time to recognize each person's unique skill set and acknowledge their individual successes will help foster an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie among your employees.

By following these simple steps, you can help create a positive work environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and collaborate. Reinforcing teamwork in the workplace is essential for any business's success, so taking the time to invest in your employees' growth and progress will pay dividends in the long run. With strong team dynamics, you'll be able to maximize productivity, foster innovative ideas and drive success

Leadership Matters

It’s easy to see how power trips in the workplace can be destructive and prevent teams from working effectively together. They create an environment of mistrust, with employees feeling like their opinions aren't valued or respected. It also leads to poor communication, because of intimidation and fear tactics. Power trips can lead to resentment among team members who don't feel like they have a say in decision making processes, stifling creativity and collaboration.

However, it is important to not disregard the team member who is not being a team player, and look at your management structure first. Many times, people who are not being a team player, are doing so because they feel undervalued. In addition, their behavior may be encouraged due to lack of communication or lack of strong leadership. Using the 5 tips above can be a way to develop a great team and help people with strong personalities and competitive drives to become team players. Ultimately, bullying behavior cannot be tolerated, but it is important as leaders to take responsibility first.

Related Posts

What would improving communication and relationships do for your team?

Embracing Intentional Leadership in Every Sphere of Influence

“I need you to help me not quit my job.”

Commentaires

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of guilt/power/ego trip in English

Guilt/power/ego trip.

Word of the Day

balancing act

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

a difficult situation in which someone has to try to give equal amounts of importance, time, attention, etc. to two or more different things at the same time

Alike and analogous (Talking about similarities, Part 1)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• English    Phrase
• All translations

Add guilt/power/ego trip to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• Relationships

One Way to Deal With Someone on A Power Trip

Hint: many who throw their weight around don’t feel all that powerful..

Posted September 17, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Sure, there are people out there who like to use power to control other people—that’s pretty much the definition of a power trip. But is your boss, coworker, ex-friend, or estranged relative really one of them?

Not necessarily.

Not everybody who seems to be on a power trip actually is. Even the most controlling, domineering person in your life may simply be… protecting herself.

Self-protection isn’t the only alternative explanation for an apparent power trip. But it’s one that’s often overlooked.

If you can spot self-protection in action, you’re more likely to respond effectively and even potentially help the person heal.

The Power of Self-Protection

Most of us, if we’ve been hurt badly enough in the past, will prioritize doing whatever it takes to stay emotionally and physically safe.

Some of the behaviors we use as a shield can easily be mistaken for something more aggressive. Here are just a few examples:

• Dictating the details of how things play out to make sure we don’t get hurt again
• Requiring lots of information upfront before we agree to do things
• Changing our minds after agreeing to something that makes us nervous
• Reducing or eliminating contact with people who feel dangerous

All of these behaviors can come across as power-tripping. But self-protection is not about enjoying power; it’s about trying to ensure safety.

Sometimes, self-protection requires us to remove ourselves from certain relationships. There are various ways of doing this, ranging from “ ghosting ” (disappearing without explanation) to having a respectful conversation in which we clearly state our needs and boundaries in a way that others can choose to act on, or not, with the understanding that we hope they’ll be able to do so.

Mostly, when we’re in self-defense mode, we’re not especially polite. We might come across as unreasonable, stubborn, or even aggressive.

Think about it: If you’re at a backyard barbecue, and your shorts catch fire, you’re going to make a beeline for the swimming pool without concern for whose Coke you knock over. While you’re dashing to the pool, your only thought is for your own safety.

Even if we don’t feel especially powerful, our self-protection can make us look like power-hungry control freaks.

Refusing to return someone’s phone call, from their point of view, is just rude. Even if the truth is we’re scared of what might happen if we talk to them.

Leaving relationships, or acting inconsistently within them because of our own ambivalence, can come across as a power trip because we’re controlling the contact schedule. Sometimes we’re available; other times, we’re not. We decide from moment to moment what we can tolerate.

To the person on the receiving end, we’re just messing with them.

How to Respond

If you’re on the other side, looking at someone who appears to be on a power trip, there are some questions you might consider. To your knowledge…

Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?

How secure does he seem, in general? How’s his overall self-image ?

Is it possible that the “power trip” is really just a need for safety?

If the relationship is important to you, don’t skip over self-protection as a possible explanation for behavior that appears power-driven.

If it might be the case that the person is protecting himself, how can you help him feel safer, especially in the relationship you share?

Here are a few ways to provide safety for people who’ve been hurt and/or traumatized in relationships:

• Ask permission. Ask about timing, locations, activities, topics that are OK to discuss… anything that the person seems anxious to control. These are important to her, so let her decide what feels OK.
• Offer choices. Same as above, and let the person know you’re open to hearing her ideas and preferences. Respect her choices, as long as they don’t directly violate your personal boundaries.
• Don’t push. Fear of being dominated often goes hand in hand with concerns about safety. Never try to coerce someone who’s been traumatized into doing what you want them to do.
• Be patient. Intrusive self-protective behaviors stem from past harm, not malice. People need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.

These behaviors represent the opposite of what most of us feel like doing when someone is throwing their weight around. It’s human nature to want to push back against anything that feels like an inappropriate power-grab.

So if the relationship is not that important to you, you may choose simply not to deal with someone who seems to be on a power trip.

But now that you know it could be something deeper, you can make an informed choice about your own response.

Tina Gilbertson, LPC, is the author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child and Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them . She hosts the Reconnection Club Podcast for parents of estranged adult children and offers consultation by distance.

• Find Counselling
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• Richmond - Tweed
• Newcastle - Maitland
• Canberra - ACT
• Sunshine Coast
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Words and phrases

Personal account.

• Access or purchase personal subscriptions
• Get our newsletter
• Save searches
• Set display preferences

Institutional access

Sign in with library card

Sign in with username / password

Recommend to your librarian

Institutional account management

Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic

power trip noun

• Hide all quotations

What does the noun power trip mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun power trip . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun power trip ?

How is the noun power trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun power trip come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun power trip is in the 1960s.

OED's earliest evidence for power trip is from 1968, in Newsweek (New York).

power trip is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: power n. 1 , trip n. 1

Nearby entries

• power take-off, n. 1928–
• power tennis, n. 1940–
• power tie, n. 1984–
• power tool, n. 1878–
• power-to-weight ratio, n. 1937–
• power tower, n. 1912–
• power train, n. 1943–
• power transformer, n. 1929–
• power transistor, n. 1957–
• power trio, n. 1937–
• power trip, n. 1968–
• power-trip, v. 1987–
• power-tripping, n. 1971–
• power-tripping, adj. 1970–
• power tube, n. 1924–
• power unit, n. 1874–
• power-up, n. 1958–
• power user, n. 1885–
• power valve, n. 1919–
• power walk, n. 1986–
• power-walk, v. 1985–

Thank you for visiting Oxford English Dictionary

To continue reading, please sign in below or purchase a subscription. After purchasing, please sign in below to access the content.

Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for power trip, n..

power trip, n. was first published in December 2006.

power trip, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into power trip, n. in July 2023.

Please submit your feedback for power trip, n.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for power trip, n., browse entry.

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of power trip noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Want to learn more?

Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

• Author : daylightadmin4

Electrical Issues? Whatsapp Us for Help! WhatsApp Us For Enquiry!

In Singapore, power trips are a frequent electrical emergency faced by homeowners. This occurs when the current in a circuit breaker exceeds the prescribed amount, thereby cutting off the electric supply. 

Although a power trip prevents damage to the wiring and other appliances, it can also result in a blackout. So to prevent it, here are some reasons why a power trip may occur in your circuit breaker and how you can resolve it. 

3 Reasons Why Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

Overloaded Electric Circuit

One main reason why a power trip happens is because of the electrical circuit getting overloaded beyond the prescribed limit.  When the current exceeds the rated capacity of the wiring, it can get damaged or create a fire hazard.  In order to prevent an actual fire from taking place, a circuit trip occurs. 

Connecting multiple electrical appliances to a power supply may also cause the power supply to trip. Malfunctioning appliances in particular may use up more power, increasing the total current supply and causing the circuit breaker to trip.

Short Circuit

A short circuit can also cause an HDB circuit breaker trip . One way to identify this is by checking for burning smells. Usually, a Short circuit occurs when the hot wire (black) touches a neutral wire (white).  A surge in current supply can also happen when electrical wiring with damaged insulation come into contact with each other. Damaged appliances or lighting components with wiring problems can also cause a short circuit when plugged into an outlet.

Ground Fault 

Besides short circuits, a power trip can also happen because of a ground fault. . When the circuit breaker’s hot wire comes into contact with the ground, the resistance is lowered and causes increased current.  A hot wire (black) which makes contact with a metallic object can also cause a circuit breaker trip to occur. 

Ground faults can also happen when homeowners ignore general electricity safety tips . Furthermore, this can cause a highly dangerous accident such as an electrical shock from switches or sockets . 

How to Fix a Power Trip

Overloaded Electric Circuit 

• Firstly, switch off all electronic appliances, gadgets, and light installations in the house.
• Next, switch on  all low power consumption electrical devices.  
• Now turn on your high power consumption appliances gradually until an electric trip occurs. Note down which high power consumption devices were connected when the trip happened.
• Whichever appliance has caused an increase in the power supply is likely to be the cause of your power trip.
• After determining the cause of your power trip, you can Connect the high power consumption electric appliance to another electric circuit to avoid another electric trip.
• Alternatively, you can upgrade your electrical wiring and hardware to carry the additional power load. While waiting for the wiring to be upgraded, you should minimize the use of appliances that consume more power as much as possible. You can also switch off all other appliances when only one is being used.

Compared to a power trip caused by overloading, fixing one which results from a short circuit is usually more difficult.

Usually, in the case of a short circuit, there is a massive spike in current which results in burning (causing a bad smell and discoloration). In that case, the electrical outlets should be switched off, and each of the power points and sockets should be inspected for any discoloration or smell. The insulation of the wiring should be checked as well. Furthermore, all the appliances should also be inspected for damage or odor. Usually the appliance with a short circuit will stop working and will have to be replaced or repaired.

Since most homes and offices have concealed wiring , it is not easy to inspect the wiring for damage or short circuit. Moreover, it is not easy to find out the exact condition of the wiring to detect any damage which has occurred. 

During monsoon seasons, an increase in the moisture levels or wet walls may cause a short circuit. Unfortunately, most property owners do not have the tools and experience to detect the damage to the concealed wiring. Hence it is advisable to hire the services of a licensed and experienced electrician who can accurately detect the short circuit and conduct an electrical wiring repair or replacement.

• Switch off all appliances and unplug them from the electric circuit.
• Switch on the circuit breaker .
• If there is no electric trip, each of the appliances should be connected to the circuit. Once the defective appliance is connected, the circuit breaker will trip.
• The faulty appliance should be repaired or replaced to prevent another ground fault.

If the circuit breaker continues to trip, it’s p o ssible that you might have electric wiring mistakes present. In that case, you should contact a reliable electrician to check the wiring and fix it if needed.

Depending on the cause of the electric trip, the property owner can either fix it himself or hire the services of a well-trained licensed electrician in Singapore.  If you opt for the latter, you can contact someone from Daylight Electrician Singapore  with many years of experience in providing all kinds of electrical services .

Daylight Electrician Singapore provides complete electrical services including emergency electrician service in Singapore. Our network of electrical workers and EMA licensed electricians are specially trained to execute all kinds of electrical repairs and works including electrical installation such as light installation , ceiling fan installation , power failure recovery as well as electrical wiring and rewiring , power socket , electrical switches , light switches and DB Box replacement . We have over 10 years of electrician experience and have done thousands of electrical works for both residential (Landed, condo and HDB electrician) and commercial electrician. We are the highly recommended electrician in Singapore with many happy customers and positive reviews over the years both on Google and Facebook . WhatsApp us at +65 8241 0032 for transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your electrical needs or Call us at +65 6909 9921 . We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your electrical needs!

#1 Recommended Electrician in Singapore. WhatsApp us now at +65 8241 0032

Recent Posts

• Why Your Light Switch Is Not Working and How To Fix It?
• Should I Choose Zigbee or Z-Wave Smart Switch Communication Protocol?
• A Guide To Buying The Right Smart Switch For Your Home
• Myths About Home Smart Switch Installation
• Factors Which Should Be Considered Before Installing A Doorbell
• 24/7 Electrician Services
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Maintenance
• Electrical Wiring
• Electrical Works
• Electrician Singapore
• EMA licensed Electrician Singapore
• Find a reliable Electrician Singapore
• Light Installation
• Uncategorized

© 2022 Daylight Electrician Singapore• All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service • Privacy Policy