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 of firepower

• power
• strength
• energy
• capability
• muscle
• capacity

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

Mk 25 Quad-Pack canister The VLS Mk 41 capability to simultaneously prepare two missiles in each 8-cell launcher module allows for fast reaction to multiple threats with concentrated, continuous firepower. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly brought in some firepower for the back of their bullpen. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

In terms of firepower, both the Constellation-class and Type 054B frigates are equipped with a vertical launch system of 32 missile tubes. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Paramount flagged the likes of Landman and MobLand as shows that will be given marketing firepower by Arsenal. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Nov. 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