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power
- definition
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/ˈpaʊər/ 
| singular | power |
| plural | powers |
- 1[uncountable] the ability to influence or control what people do or think
Power within the company is divided between the directors and the shareholders.
the power of television advertising
power over:Her parents still have a lot of power over her.
power struggle (=an attempt by each of two people or groups to get control):a power struggle within the party
- 2[countable/uncountable] political control of a country or government
The plan aims to strengthen presidential powers.
be in power:The ruling Social Democratic party has been in power for ten years.
seize power:Later that year, the generals seized power in a bloody coup.
- a.[countable/uncountable] official or legal authority to do something
An appellate court has power to overturn the lower court’s decision.
exercise your power (=use your authority):Under the dictatorship, the army was allowed to exercise vast powers.
abuse your power (=use your authority in a bad way):Local officials were found to be abusing their power.
phrases
more power to someone
spokenthe powers that be
- They have no power/control over their staff.
- She ruled over the empire for many years.
- He remained at the top for ten years, until his retirement.
- They have come out on top yet again.
- She holds the highest position in the company.
- There are many workers under her.
- How many people are there above you?
- I began my career as a lowly office worker.
- Don’t let them walk all over you.
- the upper/lower classes
- They were downtrodden and oppressed.
- She’s completely under his thumb.
This is the American English definition of power. View British English definition of power.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.
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