firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

a

: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target

b

: effective fire

2

a

: effective power or force

intellectual firepower

b

: the scoring ability of a team or player

Synonyms

• energy
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders.

right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress

Recent Examples on the Web

Jackson has the combination of offensive firepower, athleticism and size, which often correlates with winning teams. —Ben Morse, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024

Beyond two-way player Johnny Juzang (27 points), who sank his first five 3-pointers, the Jazz didn’t have enough firepower to match the fire-breathing Thompson. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target