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

While the conflict has been at a stalemate for some time, with Russia controlling roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, Mr. Putin has far greater reserves of soldiers and firepower. —Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025

When fears of global recession sent oil prices tumbling and put pressure on the naira, the central bank had the firepower to step in, selling reserves to smooth out temporary disorder. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

Just to reach two Champions League finals is also an impressive feat, especially given the financial firepower of some of Europe’s top clubs – the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and, indeed, PSG. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 May 2025

In terms of firepower, TCU has more of it led by Strosnider, Franco and Brunson. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for firepower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target