plural powers
1
: the ability or right to control people or things
She is from a very wealthy family with a lot of social power.
a politician who is hungry for power = a power-hungry politician
The company abused its power, forcing workers to work overtime without pay.
The company was almost destroyed in a power struggle between its two founders.
She had them in her power. [=she controlled them]
I'm sorry, but I don't have it in my power to help you. [=I don't have the power to help you; I can't help you]
—often + overHe has no power over me.
2
: political control of a country or area
After the emperor died, power passed to his eldest son.
the peaceful transfer of power to the newly elected president
The president was removed from power in the recent uprising.
The new government has taken power.
The latest elections put a new (political) party in power.
The rebels rose/came to power several years ago.
3
a
: a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations
A small company with only a few products has grown to become a power in the industry.
Our state is now the region's leading economic power.
b
: a country that has a lot of influence and military strength
a foreign power
the European powers
4
a
: physical force or strength
Getting the floor clean required lots of muscle power.
—often + ofI was impressed by the sheer power of her tennis serve.
the power of hurricane winds
b
: military force
They are threatening to use air/military power to resolve the conflict.
c
: the energy or force that someone or something can produce for movement, work, etc.
He could not walk under his own power. [=he could not walk without help]
The machines are running at full power. [=are doing as much work as they can possibly do]
5
a
: an ability to do something
It's an old story, but it still has the power to frighten children.
You have the power to change your life.
I'll do everything within/in my power to help. [=I'll do everything that I can to help]
It's in your power [=you have the ability] to change the way things are done here.
—often + ofHe's studying the healing powers of various plants.
She lost the power of speech. [=she was no longer able to speak]
Some things are beyond the power of human understanding.
He used all of his powers of persuasion, but she still would not agree.
Each member of the club has equal voting power.
The new computer is tiny but has more computing power than many desktop computers.
His position gives him great bargaining power.
b
: the ability to influence or affect people or things
It was a speech of great power.
A good lawyer is able to argue with power and conviction.
—often + ofthe power of art/love/religion/television
Great poetry reminds us of the power of language.
6
: the right to do something : legal or official authority to do something
You have the power to decide whether or not you'll agree to do it.
The President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress.
The board of directors has given her power to negotiate the contract.
7
a
: energy that can be collected and used to operate machines
electrical/nuclear/solar/wind/battery power
The car's engine yields more power while using less fuel.
b
: the electricity that people use
We lost power during the storm.
Do you know how many watts of power your refrigerator uses per day?
8
mathematics
a
: the number of times that a number is to be multiplied by itself
5 (raised) to the third power is 125. [=5 x 5 x 5 = 125]
b
: a number that results from multiplying a number by itself
8 is a power of 2 because 2 x 2 x 2 is equal to 8.
9
technical
: the ability of an optical device (such as a telescope) to make objects look bigger
the power [=magnification] of a microscope/telescope
a telescope of high power
powers; powered; powering
1
: to supply (something) with power
—usually used as (be) powered
The entire village is powered by wind.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to move with great speed or force
The running back powered through the defensive line.
—often used figurativelyThe band powered through a number of new songs before playing some of their classics.
He powered the ball past the goalie.
She powered her way to the finish line.
always used before a noun
1
: of or relating to electrical power
a power supply/source/failure/outage
Someone from the power [=electric] company called.
Power lines [=wires that carry electricity] run along the west side of the street.
2
: operated by using electricity rather than a person's strength
a power drill/saw
power tools
The car comes equipped with power windows.
3
: having great strength or power
a power running back
a power pitcher
4
a
: involving important people who meet to discuss business or political affairs
a power breakfast/lunch
b
of clothing
: having a formal or impressive quality that is meant to make you look powerful and important
a power suit
(US) He was wearing a red power tie.
Cite this Entry
“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/power. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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