Definition

Noun: 1. Great power, might, or influence: The capacity or ability to exert strong force, authority, or control. It often implies a commanding or impressive degree of strength. 2. (In show jumping) A test of a horse's strength and jumping ability: A competition involving a small number of high, difficult fences to demonstrate power.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (General Power):
  • The puissance of the emperor was absolute and unchallenged.
  • They were in awe of the sheer puissance of the ancient empire's military.
  • The political commentator wrote about the shifting puissance of global alliances.
• Noun (Equestrian Sport):
  • The horse cleared the final wall in the puissance competition, winning the event.
  • Success in the puissance requires both courage and exceptional strength from the horse.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, literary, or rhetorical contexts to describe formidable power, rather than in everyday conversation.
• It can describe abstract forces (e.g., the of an idea, a market, or a vote) as well as physical might.

Variants and Related Words

• Puissant (adjective): Possessing great power or influence.
  • The king was a puissant ruler who expanded his kingdom's borders.

Synonyms

• Might
• Power
• Strength
• Potency
• Authority
• Dominance

Antonyms

• Weakness
• Impotence
• Powerlessness

Noun

1. power to influence or coerce
   • the puissance of the labor vote