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power

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noun

/ˈpaʊə(r)/

singular	power
plural	powers

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Metaphor

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
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
1. a.
  [uncountable] the ability to achieve something or to make something happen
  purchasing/bargaining/earning power
  beyond your power:
  I had always believed such an achievement was beyond my power.
  do everything in/within your power:
  Willis did everything within his power for his client.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
2. b.
  [countable/uncountable] a natural or unusual ability for doing something
  He has amazing powers of concentration.
  the power to do something:
  Some people believed Rashad had the power to perform miracles.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
2
[countable/uncountable] political control of a country or government
The plan aims to strengthen governmental 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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
1. a.
  [countable/uncountable] official or legal authority to do something
  A high 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.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
2. b.
  [countable] a country that is able to influence other countries because of its economic or military strength
  China has emerged as a major economic power in Asia.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
3
[uncountable] energy obtained from oil, coal, the sun etc, used for operating equipment and machines
solar power
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
1. a.
  the supply of electricity to your home, office, community etc
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
4
[uncountable] physical force or strength
The boy was thrown backwards against a tree by the power of the blast.
the power of the crocodile's jaws
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
5
[uncountable] the ability of a machine or vehicle to operate quickly and effectively
I'm going to need a computer with more power.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
6
[countable] maths used in mathematics for saying how many times you multiply a number by itself. For example '10 to the power of 3' means 10x10x10.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power

phrases

more power to someone/someone's elbow
spoken
used for telling someone to do what they want, even though you doubt whether they can or should do it
If you want to go to Peru alone, more power to you.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power
the powers that be
the people who control a situation. This expression usually shows that you do not agree with their decisions
The powers that be have cancelled the show.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of power

See also

Metaphor: power

Metaphor

Having power and controlling someone is like being in a higher position than them. Not having power is like being low down.

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 staff 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.

Having power and control is like holding someone or something, or like driving a vehicle or controlling an animal.

They have a hold over him. ♦ The military forces seized power. ♦ Police kept a firm grip on dissenters. ♦ She seems to have a handle on most of the work. ♦ I've got the situation well in hand. ♦ The children are completely out of hand. ♦ Who makes the decisions? Who is pulling the strings? ♦ I have no idea who's in the driving seat. ♦ The company expanded greatly during his years in the saddle. ♦ She is steering the country through much-needed reforms. ♦ She kept her staff on a very tight rein.

➡ proud

This is the British English definition of power. View American English definition of power.

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