Definition

1. Noun:

   • Ability or capacity to act or do something: The inherent or acquired capability to perform an action, achieve a result, or influence events.
   • Physical strength or force: The energy or might that can produce movement or overcome resistance.
   • Authority, control, or influence over others: The legal, political, or social right or capacity to command, rule, or direct.
   • A nation or state with significant influence or military strength: A country recognized as having major political and economic influence on a global or regional scale.
   • (Physics) The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred: Measured in watts.
   • (Mathematics) The product of multiplying a number by itself a specified number of times: Expressed by an exponent.

2. Verb:

   • To supply with energy or force: To provide the mechanical or electrical energy needed for operation.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Ability/Capacity): She used all her power of persuasion to change his mind. The task was beyond my power to complete alone.

• Noun (Strength/Force): The power of the storm uprooted trees. He pushed the car with all his power.

• Noun (Authority/Control): The president has the power to veto legislation. The party has been in power for a decade.

• Noun (Influential Nation): The treaty was signed by several world powers. An emerging economic power.

• Noun (Physics): The engine delivers 300 horsepower of power. A device that consumes very little electrical power.

• Noun (Mathematics): 10 to the power of 3 (10³) is 1,000. Calculate the fourth power of 2.

• Verb: Solar panels power the satellite. The turbine is powered by steam.

Advanced Usage

• "The powers that be": Refers to the people in authority, often seen as an impersonal or established group. The decision rests with the powers that be in the company.

• "To be in someone's power": To be under someone's control or at their mercy. The captured soldiers were in the enemy's power.

• "More power to you/your elbow!": An expression of encouragement or approval for someone's efforts. You're starting your own business? More power to you!

Variants and Related Words

• Powerful (adjective): Having great power, strength, or influence. A powerful leader. A powerful engine.

• Powerless (adjective): Lacking power or authority; unable to act. She felt powerless to stop the injustice.

• Powerhouse (noun): A person or thing of great energy, strength, or effectiveness. The team's forward is an offensive powerhouse.

• Empower (verb): To give power or authority to; to enable. Education empowers people to improve their lives.

Synonyms

• Noun (Authority): Authority, control, dominion, command, sway.
• Noun (Strength): Force, might, strength, energy, potency.
• Noun (Nation): Superpower, major power, state.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Power up: To start or activate a machine or electronic device by supplying it with power. He powered up his computer to begin work.

• Power down: To shut down or turn off a machine or electronic device. Remember to power down all equipment before leaving the lab.

Related Idioms

• "A power play": A strategic move in sports, business, or politics to gain an advantage, often aggressively. The CEO's sudden firing of the manager was seen as a corporate power play.

• "The balance of power": A situation in which nations or groups have roughly equal power, preventing any one from dominating. The treaty aimed to maintain the balance of power in the region.

• "To have someone in one's power": To have control over someone. The villain had the hero in his power.

Noun

1. a very wealthy or powerful businessman
   • an oil baron
2. a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world
3. physical strength
4. a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself
5. one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority
   • the mysterious presence of an evil power
   • may the force be with you
   • the forces of evil
6. (of a government or government official) holding an office means being in power
   • being in office already gives a candidate a great advantage
   • during his first year in office
   • during his first year in power
   • the power of the president
7. possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done
   • danger heightened his powers of discrimination
8. (physics) the rate of doing work; measured in watts (= joules/second)
9. possession of controlling influence
   • the deterrent power of nuclear weapons
   • the power of his love saved her
   • his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade

Verb

1. supply the force or power for the functioning of
   • The gasoline powers the engines