Faust

American  

[foust] / faʊst /

noun

1. Johann c1480–c1538, German magician, alchemist, and astrologer.

2. the chief character of a medieval legend, represented as selling his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power.

3. (italics) a tragedy by Goethe (Part 1, 1808; Part 2, 1832).

4. (italics) an opera (1859) by Charles Gounod.

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Faust British  

/ ˈfaʊstəs, faʊst /

noun

1. German legend a magician and alchemist who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power

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Faust Cultural  

1. A legendary sixteenth-century magician and practitioner of alchemy, who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for youth, knowledge, and power. Christopher Marlowe, a sixteenth-century English poet, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote famous plays about him.

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A “Faustian” bargain is one in which a person is willing to make extreme sacrifices for power or knowledge without considering the ultimate cost.

Example Sentences

One of the greatest operas of our time, John Adams’ “Doctor Atomic,” contemplates the creation of nuclear weapons as the functioning of a latter-day Faust, Goethe’s most lasting creation.

From Los Angeles Times

Faust, 36, currently calls Friday Night MLB games streamed on Apple TV+.

From Los Angeles Times

My doctor wants me on a plant-based diet, and Stephen Faust, who’s our caterer, always makes sure I have what I need.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, if the vaccine shows at least 65% efficacy, and further trials take place, Prof Faust said it could be used to protect children too.

From BBC

“Ophelia’s Got Talent” jointly won Germany’s Faust prize for best dance production last year, cementing Holzinger’s status as one of Europe’s rising theater stars.

From New York Times