rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypowerAbility
noun / verb / adjective

power

POW-er/ˈpaʊər/

The ability or strength to produce an effect.

The officer's power to control traffic brings the car to a stop.

A uniformed traffic officer exercises authority over traffic: his raised palm stops a car, and its driver visibly complies.
Etymology
powerOld Frenchto be able

The verb meaning “to be able” became a noun naming ability itself. That capacity includes both being able to act and having authority to command.

In context

GEN Dempsey0:03
leadership is more about influence than it is about control and it's it's about preserving power one of the little phrases we always use
Relinquishing Control: A Lesson in Leadership

More examples

  • Only the court has the power to overturn that ruling.
  • The storm knocks out power across the neighborhood.
  • Solar panels power the lights along the path.
  • She hits the ball with surprising power.

Forms

power · powers · powered · powering

powerful adjective — Having great strength, influence, or effect.

powerless adjective — Unable to act or influence events.

Similar words

ability
Emphasizes capacity to do something rather than force or control.
strength
Emphasizes physical force rather than authority or permission.
authority
Emphasizes the recognized right to direct others or make decisions.