POWER | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French poeir, from an alteration of Latin posse ‘be able’

the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way

ability or capacity to do something

• the power of speech
• I will do everything in my power to help you
• his powers of concentration

the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events

ability or capacity to direct or influence others

• a political process that offers people power over their own lives
• she had me in her power

physical strength and force exerted by something or someone

physical strength and force

• the power of the storm
• the lyrical power of his prose

energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means and used to operate a device

energy produced by mechanical etc. means

• generating power from waste
• power cables

the rate of doing work, measured in watts or less frequently horse power.

rate of doing work, measured in watts

the product obtained when a number is multiplied by itself a certain number of times

product obtained by multiplying number by itself

• 2 to the power of 4 equals 16

a large number or amount of something

large number or amount

• there's a power of difference between farming now and when I was a lad

supply (a device) with mechanical or electrical energy

supply with mechanical or electrical energy

• the car is powered by a fuel-injected 3.0-litre engine
• a nuclear-powered submarine

move or travel with great speed or force

move with great speed or force

• he powered round a bend